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oulBjofpmtp, 



In Several 



SERMONS. 



v 



*% 



1 BY 

That Eminent Servant of Chrift 
Mr. WILLIAM <BE2iN, 

late of Dorchefter in Dorfet-Jhire* 



<%* X&9 <$r* 



*> 



LONDON 

Printed for Avonfham Cburcbilzt the Black 

Stvan near jlmen-Corneri And WiUiam 

Chvrchil Bookfellcr in Vorchtfttr, 1683* 



I 



/<?<?,<?. ~2//. • 



4^ 



To the Worflupful 

THOMAS GROVE Efq; 

Of Fern in the County of Wilts, 

THe Autbour of this Treatife was a 
perfon that greatly honoured you, 
and one whom you highly tfleemed y and lo* 
<ved. I therefore prefume (as being one 
intruded by the Author to publifh what "too* 
prepared for the <Prefs )to tender it to your 
Patronage. The Sub jeSi J 'peaks its own 
"worthy the prejent Seafon its ufefulnefs. 
As for your Self, you are a Gentleman fi 
imi\ >erj ally htown y that you are above my 
Char after. That the God of all grace "would 
gipeyou a great increafe of grace , and peace 
in your Old Age, and blefs your ff9ufe 9 -u 
the hearty Prayer of 



SML, 



Your much Obliged 
Servant, 

JofhuA CWcVvl 



L. I .I ■— — — ^— —■ — — 
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ . ■ ■ ■ ll 9 ' "" ■ » 



TO THE 

R E A D E R. 

N Either the Author of the enfuing difcourfe 
dot b ft and in need of any tefiimony from 
pte 9 among tbofe to whom he was know, nor will 
the difcourfe it f elf need any recommend at ionun- 
to them that JhaHperufe it provided they be any 
vcaysferious inReligton.lt is therefore rather for 
compliance with the requeft of others , then from 
any inclination in wyfelf that I prefix tbefe 
few lines unto what doth tnfuc. But yet Imufl 
fay alfo, that the high ejleem which I had of the 
Author whilft he lived, for the gifts and graces 
if God that were Eminent in him^ and the Sea- 
jpnablenefs of the futyefb matter treated of in 
this difcourfe > made me more willing to this 
compliance then otheryoife J fbould have been. 
IJhaU therefore offer afew things to the Rea- 
der y which he may efteempr rejeft as he fh all fee 
caufe. The Author of this difcourfe (as is well 
known ) is Jome while fince entred into his reft, 
and he isfo, after his painful* faithful, andfuc- 
cefsful labour in the Vineyard ofChriftfor above 
fifty years. And I fhallfay no more concerning 
him, but that as he was eminently furnifhed 
pith all miniflerial abilities y fo it is but a joint 

■.'"'. teftir 



To the Reader. 

teftimony of all that knew him, that hisfingular 
and almofi unparlleFd perfeverance in Prayer^ 
as for aU other concerns for the Church ofChrift, 
Jo for the fuccefs of his own Miniftry, was that 
which both firengthened him to his work, and 
gave him fuccefs in it amongH whom he labour- 
ed. And I mention this only as auincourage* 
went to a jufi expectation ofufe, and fruit from 
this pan of his labours, in that it had an emu 
nent (hare in thofe fervent Prayers, wherewith 
aU his endeavours in this hind were accompany- 
ed. The fubjeft-matter here infifted on by him, 
is of the bigbeft importance unto attjwhofe defign 
and bufinefs it is to live unto God. For it is 
not any one Jingle grace whofe exercife is direft* 
ed, nor any one Jingle duty which is preffedand 
exhorted 'unto, but the entire management and 
ailing of the principle of Spiritual Life in our 
whole walk before God, is declared and exprep 
fed in this difcourfe. For in thefe things do 
our Souls live, in them doth their projperity 
confijl. No Soul can profper but in the due ex- 
ercife s of all graces, whereby the habit of them 
are firengthened , and the due performance 
of all thofe duties wherein they are exercife d. 
To have a guide in thefe things, fuch a guide 
as evidenced himf elf went before every ft ep in 
the way % direHing and encouraging others to ac- 
company and follow him in the fame courfe and 
way 9 is of%reat concernment unto fuch humble, 
teachable Souls, as defign ajtrofperous conditio 



To the Reader. 

on in the profeffion of Religion, wherein we are 
in gage J. • And the defign of this di/courfe y with 
the management of it Jo direft unto a Soul's prof- 
ferity, have weight added to them from the 
Jeafox, wherein by the guidance of Divine Pro- 
vidence they are now publijhed. For we are 
fallen into a time, wherein the Spiritual difea- 
fes* decays and thriftlefnefs of many profeffors 
if Religion do evidence themfelves to the World, 
and complaints of the want of SouUprofperity, 
heard from the mofl who fincerely infpett the 
inward ft ate of Religion this day y in themfelves 
and others. It can't therefore want that beau- 
ty which feaf oh gives unto a word of truth. The 
manner of handling both Doftrine and Applica- 
tion in this difcourfe is fuch as becomes both 
the Author if it, and the Subject treated on, for 
it is done with that gravity and foundnefs of 
fpeech as cannot be reproved; with that plain- 
nefs and perfpicuityi which as it excludes all 
countenance from ornament of Speech, fo there 
is nothing in it that may be expofedto contempt 
amongtf them that under ft and Spiritual things, 
or know in any meafure, how they ought to be 
taught. And that which gives life to the whole, 
is an open evidence that the Author did both 
cxprejs his own experience, and gives the Cha- 
racter of his own mind, in the endeavour after 
Soul-profperity, wherein his attainments and 
Jkccefs were eminent above the mofl. And if 
the Reader be one who is ingaged in the fame 

dtfign. 



defign,he wiQfind r that as face anfweretb unto 
face in water, fo bis heart will anfwerthe heart 
of the Author in his expreffions of his own ex- 
perience and practice, and it is nothing but the 
Edification of Believers in faith andholinefs 
that is aimed at, without the leafl alliance un- 
to any ofthofe contr over fie s in Religion, where- 
with the profeffton of it are perplexed in the 
World. For though thefe andfuch things as 
thefe here treated of,- are defpifed and reproa- 
ched by Men of corrupt minds and prophage 
Spirits , unto whom t^e whole prattice and pow- 
er of godlinefs, with the manner of its Declara- 
tion according to the Scripture, is folly and 
matter of contempt ; yet none have yet fuppo- 
fed, that it will admit of a que ft ion in Chri- 
fiian Religion, whether Believers ought feriouf 
ly endeavour the fpiritual profperity of their 
own Souls* But with fuch as by whom thefe 
things are either defpifed or neglefted, we are 
not now concerned ; as for thofe who would en- 
deavour to be found of Chrijl in peace, in what 
wayfbever he (hallpleafe to vifit his Church, or 
the Worlds the Seafon wherein we live, the 
whole power of temptation, which we are ex ere i- 
fed withal 9 theftateprefent ofmoH Profejfors^ 
all circumfiances & calls ofProvidence,do make 
■ the fubjeft-matter of the duty propofed in this 
difcourfe, more then ordinary neceffary for their 
moreferious confederation. 

JOHN OYfi^ 



Advertifement. 

m 

IF this Treatife find accep- 
tance, Mr. G. H. and J. C. 
friends of the Reverend Au- 
thor, intrufted with his Papers, 
arid who atteft thefe to be his 
own, will be ready to publifli 
other of his Trafts. 



*— *■ 



SERMON I. 



3 Epift. fi/Johh, verf. i. 

Beloved, I w'tjh afove aU things that thou 
mayefl profper, and he in health, even at thy 
Soul profpercthi 



'Mete are two things, among 
many others, both which 
are infallibly certain, and 
exceeding comfortable to 
all thofe that live by Faith, 
and fear before the Lord. 
The one is* That the Lord 
knows them every one by name. The o- 
ther is, That he hath a perfect knowledge 
of all their concernments ; How it is with 
themj both in refpett of their Souls, and iri 
refpe& of their Bodies; and what they (land 
in need of, for the well&re both of the one, 
and of the other. 

We bate both thefe exemplified in this 
Epift le, written to one fingle perfem, Gattu 




by name. Who this Gains was, whether it 
was Gaius of Macedonia, fpoken of Aft. 19. 
Or Gaius of Derle % fpoken of Aft. 20. Or 
Gaius of Corinth, fpoken of 1 Cor. 1.14. can- 
hot, I think, be abfolutely determined. How- 
ever, 'tis certain, The Lord knew well, which 
of them it was. And the Lord did know, 
that this Gaius to whom this Epiftte was 
written, was an eminent godly, psrfon, one 
that had a gracious, vigorous, a&ive Soul 
for God, in a weak and confumptive Body. 
And upon that account, he dire&s his Ser- 
vant John to write this Epiftle to him ; that 
he might know, how much he did live in 
his Care, and what obfervation he made of 
.him, and his Condition. 

This is a very" great matter, that an en- 
tire portion of Canonical Scripture ( as this 
Epiftle is) fhouW be written for the inftru- 
inon, and etiolation of one good man. 
But we may wonder the lets at it, if we 
look a little backward, we (hall find fuch a 
portion written to one good worfcan ; but 
ihe was, befidts her eminent godlin.efs, a 
peribn of honour in the Work! ; flje. was a 
Lady, Tliat s the .fecond Epiftle. of John. 
And that we may know, that inthefe mat* 
ters, God is no refpe&er of pccfcns, we 
have a third inflance of this, in the Epi- 
ftle to Philem on, witten in the behalf of One- 
JtmiUy a mean perfon, comparatively • A fer- 

vant 



L J J 

varit he had been, and one that mifcarried 
in his fervice, and ran away from his Ma- 
iler. But now having a faving work of 
God begun in him, whereof Paul had good 
experience^ he writes that Epiftle to Phile- 
won, on his behalf, that he might receive 
him, not only into Service, but itito Favour ; 
not only as a Servant, but as a beloved Bro- 
ther in the Lord. ver. 16.. It was a great 
priviledge, that God vouchfafed thefe three 
Perfons, above others. It's true, we find 
more Epiftles written to particular Perfons, 
as two to Timothy, and one to Titw ; but 
they were written on a more publick, and 
general account. And the fubjtence of thofe 
three Epiftles, may be found hi that to Ti- 
mothy, where Paul faith, He mote, that he 
might know, how to behave himfelf in the 
Church of God y the Houfe of[\the living God: 
However, though this was^ch a great mat- 
ter, with refpeft to thefe tffiree Perfons ; yet 
we know very well, that God had not re-< 
ipe£t to them alone ; for Rom. i 5. 4. the 
Apoftle tells us, Whatever is written, is vbrit- 
tenfor our learning : what is written to Gai- 
Ui in this Epiftle, and what is in this (ingle 
verfe, is written for our learning: The Lord 
give us to learn, what may be learnt by it. 

In thefe words we have obfervable three 
parts. 

1. Something exprefled. It was exceed- 

B % «% 



ing well with Gaius, in refpeft of his fpiritu- 
al condition. He was like to have a very 
comfortable journey to Heaven : His Soul 
profpered. 

2. We have fomething implied, fc. That 
it was not altogether fo well with Gains in 
his outward condition, efpecially in refpeft 
of his health* Though he was a very god- 
ly man, he was none of the flrongeft men. 
He was weak, and fickly. 

3 . We have fomething defired. 

(i.) In general. That he might pro/per ; 
indefinitely fpoken ; that he might profper 
in all his concernments, within doors and 
Without. 

(2.) That he might be in health. He 
prays that he might have a healthy confti- 
tution. 

And both thefe, as defired, are amplified. 

1. By the manner thereof, very heartily. 
Ivoifh ahorve all things. 

2. By the meafure, or degree, or pattern, 
according to which he defires this profperity 
might be proportioned, and that is, accor- 

? ding to the degree, and meafure of his Soul- 
profperity. [ That thou mayefi profper, as thy 
Soul profper eth. ] 

It is not unfit to give you an account, in 
a word or two, of the choice of this Text. 
Ye may remember that the fubje&s of fonie 
foregoing Excrcifes were thefe two things. 

" *■ 1. Con- 



[y] 

i. Concerning a dead Religion. Many 
Profeflbrs of the true Religion, as 'tis profei : 
fed by them, it is a dead Religion ; and their 
works, in, and about if, are dead works. 

2. We came to fpeak of a dying, wither- 
ing, languifhing Religion. The obfervation 
was this. 

A living Cbriflian, yet alive to God {and 
that's aQ*) may, in refpett of his Chriftianity, 
be in a dyings withering languifhing condi- 
tion. 

Becaufe what follows in that Epiftle, in 
Revel. 3. did not give fo fair a foundation, 
to build that upon, which I am now to fpeak 
of, concerning a thriving, and profpering 
Religion, I have made choice of thefe words. 
And the obfervation which I (hall) as the 
Lord (hall enable me, infift mod upon, will 
be this. 

Do£h Tlsat of all prosperity, Soul-profperi\ 
ty is the moft deftreable profperity. 

But before I come to fpeak of that Point, 
it will be requifite, not only to fhew how 
the Text bears it, but it may be convenient 
to point out fomc few Obfervations, which 
the words afford, which: I lhall, as britfly as 
may be, pafs through ; and the firft is this. ^ 
1. Ob). Concerning the perfon of this 
Cairn, who he was, I told you it could not 
be absolutely determined ; but it feems to be 
very probable, that it was Gaius of Corinth, 

\ 3 <* 



[«] 

of whom the Apoftle makes mention, Bom. 
1 6. 2. 3 . That he was PauFs Hojle, and the 
Hofle of the Church, i. e. He was one that 
either Entertained the Brethren that went 
up, and down, to preach the Gofpel gratis, 
at his ow r n charge, on elfe that he had the 
chief overfjght of that publick houfe, that 
was for their entertainment there. And that 
which may well lead us to this conjecture, 
is that which we have verf. ^6. of this Epi- 
ftle ; where John gives him this teftimony ; 
That whatever he did to the Brethren^ and 
Stranger s } he did it faithfully^ and they hare 
yoitnefs of his charity* So that, cither this 
was that Gaius, or elfe, as he had the fame 
name, fo he had the fame difpofition. He 
was charitable, and hofpitable. And this 
let him very deeply into Johns affe&ion. 
He loved him dearly, calls him, His belo- 
ved, ( the fame word is rendered, Dearly be- 
loved) and prayeth for him. 

Note. Perfons of publick Spirits, that do 
good with what they have, according to 
their ability ; efpecially for the promoting 
of Religion, are nK?ft likely to have, and it 
is fit they fhould have, mod prayers put up 
to God, for their welfare and prosperity, in 
every refae&. 

It is faid Job. 3 1 20." that The loins of the 
p.oor bleffed hiw. They had no bleffing to I if- 
jpofe of: but the meaning is, They heartily 

prayed 



» ■■ 



[7l 

prayed for a blefiing upon Joh, and all that 
he had. We read Afit. 9.31. of a good wo- 
man, her name was Dorcas. She was full of 
good works. Peter finds a great many a- 
bout her Corps, weeping, and telling him, 
what good ine had done, whilft among 
them, and ftiewed him, not her own Ward- 
robe, but the Coats flie had made for them, 
Doubtlefs, flie that had fo many Tears ftied 
for her, when fhe was dead, had many 
prayers put up for her, while fhe was alive, 1 
Perhaps, they were not like to find another 
Dorcas. It might be then, as it is now. 
AUfeek their own, none the things of Chrifl- 
All look after their own particular interefh 
Thefe are like to be, as that wicked Prince, 
2 Chron. 21. 20. who lived undefired, and 
dyed unlamehted. What will perfons fay 
of ftich ? Tfal 49. 19. They will blefs them 
while they live, in hope to get fomething 
by them ; but when they dye, farewel they. 
They were good for none, but themfelves. 
But it was not fo with Gaius, it was not fo 
with Dorcas. It is Calvin s note : He thinks 
God raifed Dorcas to life, out of refpeft to 
the poor people. 

2. Obferve our Tranflation. ['/ voijb J 
*v%pfjLcii. It is in the margent [ I pray] And 
the word is indifferently rendred. Ail. 27. 

29. 1 — wy>wn> yi/Mcfxtv ycviSrtt. They rvijhed 
Ur day. But z Cor. 13, 7. h>%>f*a,i AT jtyM 
H B 4 ^J 5 * 



[8] 

nav Stovy fJW mtSitnu tijxa* ng^i \mMv. I pray 
God, that ye do no evil % and yet verf.y. 'tStu 
3 $ ^g'/xaStt, ¥ Jjtfpr ^ittprxw. / wijhyour 

perfettion. Paufs wiihes, were his Pray- 
ers. 

I^jfote. That ft is no inconfiderable part of 
a Chriflians wifdont, to be wary, and we/I ad- 
wjedj in what they wijh ; for Wiihing is like 
Praying. 

We find in Scripture, that very much gujlt 
hath been contracted, and very much tolly 
exprefled, by wild, and extravagant willies. 
I (hall inftance in the mifcarriages of good 
people, this w^y. Job wilhetljthat he had 
never been ■ / born 9 chap, 3 P Jeremy wilheth 
that eitKer} r he had never been born, pr dyed 
fcy and by, chap. xo f Jonah wiflieth he were 
dead, and as much under ground, as he was 
above ground, chap. 4, 9. David wiflieth, 
fhat he had dyed tor Abfolom. But the fad- 
deft wifli is that of Jofiua> chap. 7. v. 9. He 
was at prayer, but forgate nimfelf fadly. 
}VouldQodQ faith he) W had not come over 
Jordan. He wiflieth, that God had never 
jnade good his Promife, of tfyeir coming in- 
to the Liid of Canaan. There is much fol- 
ly; exprefled Hereby. Many perfons plcafe 
jtljjKmfelves, if they may have liberty of wir 
flujg. That they might wilh for what they 
WJUldhave, apd have what they wifti.for, 
* then they would be in a brave condition. 

•A 



A fond, and foolifli conceit this is, Ecclef.6* 

iz. PVho knows what is good for himfelf in 
this life i The words are fpoken queftion- 
wife, and we are to under (land them nega- 
tively. That is only good for us in this 
life, which is improved in order to our Eter- 
nal life. Now God can carry on that courfe 
to bring us to Eternal happinefs, which he 
hath chofen his people to, by adverfity, as 
well as profperity. Therefore this is the 
duty, and wifdom of the people of God, to 
leave it with God, as it is Pfal. 47. 4. Thou 
/halt choQfe our inheritance for us. Wifdom 
is required to make a good choice in arjy 
thing. God is the only wife G^^Jie Will 
choofewell. *''"'" 

Note this farther. In three things God 
hath fet 'us bounds: Bounds to our Faith, 
what to believe. Bounds to our A&ions, 
what to do : And bounds to our Prayers, 
what to defire, and what to ask. And why 
ihould our Wiflies be unbounded, fmce they 
are like Prayers ? Idle wifhes are, at leaft, as 
bad, as idle words, which no man can give 
account of, Matth. ix. 36. Many have got- 
ten their death, and deftru&ion, by getting 
what they wiflit for. They wHhed, they 
rnight dye in the Wilderaeis, and they did 
fo. Nam. 14. 

Farther, John here wifheth, That Gaiw 
might profper ; Johns with was a prayer t«r, 



["> J 

* 

God for him. From hence we may take 
this note. 

Note. The wett-bein^ and profperity of eve- 
ry mans outward condition, is wholly at God's 
mifpofing. Pfal. I z 7. 1 • Except the Lord build 
the houfe^ Qfr. It is neither the care of the 
Mafter, nor the faithfulnefs of the Servants, 
nor any thing elfe, that can do any thing 
at all, if God fay Nay. If God doth not 
make the houfe to grow ( as David ufeth 
the exprpflion % Sam. 23.5%) certainly, it 
will wither. The Eftate, the Houfe, the 
Family will decay ; and, in time, come to 
nothing. I note this, that we may be all 
ftirred up, to acknowledge God, to be the 
Fountain, and Spring of all outward Blef- 
fings whatfoever. And accordingly. 

( 1. ) As we defire any thing mould fuc- 
ceed, that we take in hand, relating to our 
worldly affairs, engage God in all, that he 
may work with us therein. We have War- 
rant, in every thing to make known our requeffs 
to God. PhiL 4.6. In every thing, be it ne- 
ver fo fmall, engage God to be with us 
therein ; and fay as Abraham** Servant did., 
Gen. 24. .11. Lord fend me good f peed every 
day. 

(2.) As we defire to profper, fo ferve 
the Providence of God ; wait upon him, and 
keep his ways, and believe his proraifi£. % 
jpavid gives his Son this counfel ; Keep. jb& 

skrge 



[»] 

charge of the Lor J, that thou mayeft proffer^ 
find have good fuccefs^ i Kings. 2. 3. And he 
had fo, while he did fo. It i§ fpoken bf fuch 
a oerfon, Pfal. 1,3. /Fhatfoever he doth ^ fhall 
proffer : It fhall turn to good, in order to 
the furtherance of the Soul s profperity. 

(3.) When the Lord is pleated to blefc 
the labour of our hands, to make our going 
out, and our coming in, the beginning, and 
ending of what we go about fuccefsful, give 
God the praife. Sacrifice not to your own 
Net, as that worldly perfon, Pfal. 49. 18. 
who blefc'd himfelf : No, give God the glo- 
ry, though the matter be never fo fmaiL 
Ruth. 2. 18, 19, 20. Naomi being brought 
into a low condition ( though fhe had been 
a woman of fafhion ) when her daughter-in- 
law had fped well in gleaning ; O bleffed le 
the Lord, faith fhe. Truly, this would be 
well thought of, Pfal. 73. 4. Delight thyfelf 
in the Lord y and he fhall give thee thy hearts 
defire. When God hath given us our hearts 
defire, we fliould delight our felves in the 
Lord.- And the Mercy of God, ihouldraife 
us up to rejoyce in the God of our Mercies; 
This would make every days Mercies to 
reach our Souls. 

( 4. ) / voifk, that thou mayeft pro/per, &c .]} 
It was well with Cam already : He prc^jer : 
«d with the beft profperity ; but John wiflj- 
kb, that he might be royally blefled. That 

\ were* 

Y 



■_» 



mercy might compafs him about on every fide. 
Hence, 

Obferve, That though it be ajuft y and me a- 
fured truth, That that Man is a blejfed Man, 
whofe Soul pro/per s, in what outward conditi- 
on foever he be, yet outward pro/per ity Q Soul- 
prqfperity going before ) is a fuper added blef 
fingy and may be fought for at the hands of God, 
with fubmijfton to the wf 11 of God for our f elves y 
and in the behalf of others. 

It is without all controverfie, Though a 
Man's outward condition were as low as 
fob's in the Old Teft^meat, an( j as La Z arus*s 
in the New Teftament, yet he is blefled, 
whofe Soul profpers. For as it is faid, of eve- 
ry Man in his civil capacity : In his befl 
: eft ate he is altogether vanity % Pfal.39. %. He 
is fubjeft to changes, none can tell what a 
•xky may bring forth : Here we have no con- 
firming City ', Heb. 13. 14. So it may truly 
bfe faid of a perfon, whofe Soul profpers, 
whatever his outward condition be, he is al- 
together blefled. TfaL 94. n. Blejfed is the 
Man whom thou chaflenefi, O Lord, and t each- 
eft him out of thy Law. When inftru&ion 
hearkened to, goes with corre&ion, the Soul 
profpers ; he is a blefled Man. In Job. r. 
'we have a defcription of Job's prosperous 
•effete : Firft, it is faid, That he was a Maa 
fearing God. But we have farther , as it 
were, an Inventory given in, of his outward 

cond- 



*-. 



[•J] 

condition : He had fo many Sheep, fo many 
Oxen, fo many Afles, fo many Camells,&c. 
Thefe were a fuperadded bleffing to Job. 
Xhis is fet down, to fhew the praiie of JoFs 
patience, who bare fuch a change fo as he 
did : Tis very true, a Man may eafily over- 
rate and over-value his worldly eftate. Ve- 
rily, if Sbul-profperity do not go before out- 
ward profperity, outward profperity is but 
like a Cypher, and fignifies nothing, if a fi- 
gure don't go before it : A Man may write 
a Iheet of Paper full of Cyphers, but all do 
not make One : When Soul-profperity goes 
before, God hath done much for fuch per- 
ions. They have the Earth, they ftiall nave 
Heaven. They have the Nether Springs, 
i they ftiall have the Upper Springs ; fo that 
I if it were asked them, as Chrift did his Dif- 
ciples, Luk. ax. 35. Lacked je any thing^ 
They muft anfwer ( if they will foeak, h 
the matter is) as the Difciples did, They wait 
nothing. God hath not dealt fo witl\ -all 
thofe, that have (hot the gulph, and are faft 
danger for Eternity. Many of them are ait 
fhort ; yea, they may fay many times, to 
Peter did, LHk.$.$. We havefijhed all night > 
and caught nothing ; Laboured hard , ami 
caught not fo much as a Sprat for their break- 
faft. Many a Man that labours all the 
week, hath very much ado to bring both 
ends together, his Gettings, and his Expcn- 



ces. The wants of fome are fo many, tt 
they often know not what to do ; and t 
wants of others are fo few, that they wa 
nothing, but to know how to improve, wh 
they have. To know how to abound, i 
far greater blefling then to abound* Eccl 
14. whatfoever God doth, is for ever. 
God give a Man an outward worldly efta 
it is for ever : What,to enjoy it for ever ? IS 
things feen are but for Time : But in refpt 
of the ufe, or abufe of them, they are fc 
ever. 

Now, to fpeak to that, which in parti< 
Jar John defires for his friend Gaius, That 
inight be in health. Gaius was not fick no 
that's clear from verf. 6. He did not keep 
Bed> nor his Chamber, nor his Houfe ; i 
John advifeth him to bring the Brethren 
their way* after a godly fort : But he wa 
ficldy Man. 

Note. Thofe that have much of the het 

vfGod y and live much in the love ofGod+n 

feel wudb of the hand of God ; as in oti 

troubles^ fa in long continued bodily weak* 

fes. 

That they may befjek, is no marvel, 
they muft dye ; but we fpeak of long, c< 
tinued weaknefs : Timothy was fuch a M 
x Tim. 5. 2,3. It is obferwed of Calvin, t\ 
in his latter days, he was very fickly, a 
weak, contraded, as 'twas thought, by c 



[I*] 

ing too much Aloes : Thuanus (aitfa, he was 
fo feven years before his death. We find, 
Job obferved this in his days, Job.zi.xf.- 
One dyes in the bitternefs of his Soul, never 
eats his bread with pleafure. [ One dyes. ] 
What one ? Even one good Man, as well as 
one bad Man : He fpeaks indifferently of ei- 
ther; all things fall alike to all.The good Man 
dyes in bitternefs, and pain, feldom made a 

Food meal Thus ye fee it hath been : And 
note this, only for this purpofe ; that we 
may fee, that no new thing befalls them, 
with whom God deals fo at this day ; but 
that which hath been the lott of thofe whofe 
Souk have profpered. i Cor. 10. 13. There 
bath no temptation taken you, but Jnch as is 
common to Man. 

a« Gains was very well with rcfpeft to his 
Spiritual ftate, but he was weakly, and fick- 
ly ; therefore John prays that he might be 
in health : Hepce note, 

Note. A healthy conftitution of Body, 
though a Man may be bleis'd without it ; yet 
in it felf is a very great and definable blef 
(ing : It is a comprehenfive blefling : It is 
the Epitome and Abridgment of all outward 
blefiinjgs : It is like Salt, that Seafons every 
Meat., It is too true, this is not fo feelingly 
acknowledged, as it ought to be, by thofe 
that do enjoy it. But when (as it is in JoE) 

1 Man's bones are chaftened with a multi* 

tuds 



[I6J 

tude of pains* and a Man is worn away with 
pining ficknefs ; it is rare to find fuch a per- 
lbn, that doth not fet an higher price on 
health, then he did before. And, verily, it 
is a very great blefling ; whether it be by 
prefervation from ficknefs ; or by recovery 
out of ficknefs. 

( 1.) If it be by prefervation from fick- 
nefs, prize it as a very great mercy. It is 
left upon Record, as a very fignal Providence, 
and gracious Priviledge, vouchfafed to the 
people of Ifrael, when they were in Egypt \ 
where there was fo much Sicknefs* Plague, 
and Death : Yet QPfal. iqj.) there was not 
one feeble perfon v among them when they 
came forth ; for it is (aid Exod. 12.27. they 
were able to come for thon foot, fix hundred 
thoufand Perfons. And ought it not to be 
efteemed at this day, in this place, as a great 
metcy, by thofe Fafflilifes which God is plea- 
fed to preferve from thofe ficknefles, that 
fome are under ? If ye do not labour to im- 
prove this foj that God may not repent, 
that he hath fpared you, ye do not well. 

(2.) It is a very great mercy to have 
health, by recovery trom ficknefs, and weak- 
nefs ; Hezekiah judged it fd* /fa. 3 8. 1 ?. The 
living fbaU praife thee, as I do this day* Da- 
vid fpeaksto this, PfaLio$t$4 My Soul praife 
thou the Lord. He renews thy ftrength as 
the Eagle : The Eagle ( as it is faid all Birds 

of 



1*7) 

of prey do) calls her feathers once a year ; 
Hew feather grow up again, and then /he 
is freihy and limy ; and mounts up as high as 
before. 

Now that frealth, is fo great a blefling,' 
will appear in this, becaufe .jvhile the Lord 
gives it, he pujts a very great price into the 
Man's hands* that hath it, to further his 
Soul-profperity. A weakly, fickly perfon 
is under truny difadvantages, as to that. For 
obferve* ... 

\\^\J^$nefsi long continued infirmity, of* 
ten wpyves $ perfon (f the. public k Ordjnap- 
cef* ppfyly, foqae may> it this day, by 
we^kqefs, be deprived pf J fiich Meetings as 
this ; which we are to i^ckpjipublicjc Ordi- 
nances, not in refpeflt of tjie Place, but Ad- 
naioUlration, i#*. 38. %%. What Jbatt te the 
fign ibatlfi&gouptofyehfi^ 
while he was ftck, and weal^he could nqtijo 

lf - ... ■;' , 

(% •) ft.v&ry. miuhfydifpofah a Map for the 
folemn performance of the private Dutief if 
Religion. . '.We have a clear inftance of this, 
Jaw**;* 13: Is any dffliftej? Let him pray.: Jt 
any fid ? Let him fenji for the Elders of the 
Church. Is not ficknels a great affli&ion ? 
Jt is .• Why then lhoMld not the fick pray ? 
Sjiqknefs, and weaknefs indifoofe a perfon 
for the folernn performance ot that duty. 

Q^)Perfonsf^j/S to long^ continued weak- 



[i8] 

iteffes of fody+ are often in much darknefs of 
wind) apt to que ft ion the fir ace of God in them, 
and the love ofGod^ toward them. For fick- 
nefs, and weaknefs indifpofe a Man's mind : 
He otnriot infer cbmfortable conclufions 
from his formdr experiences of God. He is 
full of confufidn, like askain of Silk, that a 
Man can neither winde, nor draw. So it is 
with in infirm Mta. Pfal.%$> 3. Heman, i 
when his life did draw nigh to the grave, 
he faith, His Soul was full of trouble* It is a 
lad cafe, a weak Bddy, and a troubled Soul * 
too. Satan is very skilful at his work t He 
knew this, and therefore he referved this as 
hislaft tefirotationfor^i, hewing that would 
ftick, to affli& his Body, 
Now to Apply this. 

x» Let all liichas Gdd is: pfeajfed to blefs 
frith any tompetency of health,and ftrength, 
1 keep theif hearts under the obligation, that 
this lays upon them. Ptut. 8. 16. The Lord 
gaW them Manna, to humble therii. We 
%, Oh, if we were fit for Mercy, God would 
give it ; Thus Folks talk, that never endea- 
vour to be more .fit. If we flibuld never 
hiave a Mercy, till we were fit, it Would be 
long enough before We fhould have any* 
God many times gives a Mercy firft* and 
makes a people humble afterward. Well 
then, considering that life, and health, and 
. ftrength are given to flVery Man, for the 

fame 



V--Am 



firtic end, and purpofe, for which Paul imp 

proved them, Phil. i. 21. 7* me^ to live is 

Chrift. Therefore we fliould eveify one of 

us, while we are well, fet about doing of 

that* which it will be Very well, if it be done, 

before we are fickj but 'tis ofabfohite ne- 

ceflity to be done, before we dye; even* 

what we have, xPet. 3.14. Give alldilU 

gence to he found in Chrift Jefus, in a ft ate of 

union with him. If a Man be not in Chriftj 

while he lives, he cannot live to Chrift, no* 

ibali he dye to Chrift, when he dyes, Col. i. 

17. ChriH in us, is the hope ofgloty. 

Confider then. 

1; Though health, and ftrerigth be a Very 
great- bleffing, yet it is a bleffing quickly 
Wafted : Job obferved it in his days, Job x 1 • 
13. One dyes in his full* ft rength: God gives 
him no warning at all; . Alas, ( faith James) 
what is a Man's life ? A vapour, a little Warm 
breath turned tip and down in the noftrils ; 
when that is ftopt, a Man dyes. 

2. Confider this: Say God ftioiild give 
us warning ; and do with us, as he did with 
Jezabelj calx us upon A bed of ficknefs, and 
give us fpace to repent ; yet times of Bodily 
ficknefs, and weaknefs, are ill times to begin 
to look after a ncgle&ed Soul, and to d& 
hegle&ed Duties. SickneflcS and weaknet 
fes bring a Man under many difad vantages 
•f looking after Soul-concernments, z fyttf* 

C % v*%V 



[xo] 

25. 3f. God fmites Natal, he was fickten 
days, that was more time then many per- 
fons have ; yet he could no more repent 
then the very done ; his heart dyed within 
him : Therefore what we have, Joh. 9. 4. 
fhould be lay'd to heart ^The night will come, 
when no Man can work. Do the work, that 
God calls to, while it is called, To day* 

(2.) If fo be, health and ftrength be fp 
great a blefling, then let all that do enjoy it, 
take heed, how they do any thing that may 
prejudice their health; arid do, what God 
would have them do, for the prefervatioc 
of their health ; and not flick at any due 
charges, fuitable to what they are able tc 
bear. 

1. Take heed of prejudicing your health. 
They are very much to be blamed, that will 
ride wind, and weajher, to get money, Matt. 
6.2 5. The Body is wore then Raiment : Health 
and ftrength are better then riches. Much 
more do they tranfgrefs, that prejudice their 
health to gratifie a fenfual luit, For no Man 
ever yet hated his own fleflf, Eph. 5. z 9. I 
have read of one Theotinus, wffo was very 
much given to drinking, and had very 
fore eyes ; his Phyfitian told him, he muft 
either leave his drunkennefs, or lofe his eyes : 
Then (faith he} farewell fight. He would 
rather lofe his fight, then leave his fin; 

2. Do what may be done, to preferve 

health ; 



^r - 



1*1} 

health: Therefore the Apoftle faith to Ti- 
mothy, Drink no longer Water ^ but ufe a little 
Wine $ for thy (lomachs fake^ and thine often 
infirmities. The poor Woman QMark.y.) 
fpent all (he had upon the Phyficians. This 
is worth obfervation : That we mull fo 
mind the wellfare of our Bodies, for the pre- 
ferving of health, and ftrength, when we 
have it ; and recovery of it, when it is loft ; 
for the prefervation of the health, and well- 
fare of our Souls. It is an hard matter to do 
thofe things out of obedience to God, iron 
a principle of grace, which a principle of na- 
ture inclines a Man to. Tit. 2. 4, That they 
may teach the young Women to be fiber, to love 
their Husbands, to love their Children. 
Now, for the Amplification of this wifh. 
1 . For the manner. It was heartily. [Above 
all things. ] 

Obferve, // is the duty of every gracious 

fttfon^ to be hearty, and real in his prayers, 

defireS) and voi/hes for the pro/per iiy of the 

people of God) and for the health of thofe that 

weficky antboeak. 

The Apoftle fpeaks to thepraife of them, 
Col. 1,4, That they loved all the Saints of 
God. Ruth. 4. 1 1 , The Elders faid to Boaz, 
The Lord blefs thee j and this Woman. How 
heartily did the good Women blefs God for 
their old neighbour Naomi i RUth. 4. 14. It 
js 3 rare thing to find, fuch a fpirit. Corrdp: 

C 3* v\<M\ 



["] 

tion doth narrow, and ftraighten Mcr 
hearts : Their eye is evil, becaufe God 
good. Corruption (heightens, but Grac 
enlargeth a Man ? s heart It is a brave fp 
rit, To rejoyce with them that rejoyce, and \ 
mourn with them that mourn. 

Obferve again, Who it is that defires th 
fo heartily : It is John, the beloved Difcipl 
who pre/fed hearty love upon others, i Jo* 
3.18. And he exprefleth it to Gaius. Hfcn< 
note, 

Note. // is the duty of every Minifter \ 
labour ', to exemflifie in his praaice, the D 
ties he prejffeth upon others. The Propb 
Q&ab. 2. 4. J fpeaking of thofe fad times i 
the captivity of Babylon, faith, The jujl fa 
live by faith. But they might reply, O 
you dp fo your felves ? Arid he anfwer 
Yes. /&£.3*. 17, 18, Although the Fig-tn 
jkall not bloffom, yet will I rejoyce in tt 
Lord ; / will joy in the God of my Salv 
tion.. 

.. z. Confider the pattern, meafure, and d 
gfee, according to which John ^efires, th 
outward profperity might be proportionec 
and that is, his Soul-profperity. Surely th 
Gaius y^as a very rare Man : It is hard t 
find fuch among all thofe, that bear the h 
nourable name of Ghrifti#is. How man 
are there, Chriftians : in proftffion, and 
ipay be, according to fomeme^fure, indee 
''''". ' ac 



■ 

and in truth, who profper in their Eflates, 
and profper in their Bodies ? They are well, 
and lively ( as David's Enemies were, fjaU 
38. 19.) but they have poor, lean, wither- 
ing Souk So that we may very well, in die 
behalf of many, invert the Apoftle's wifh ; 
and wifh that their Souls might profper, as 
their Bodies profper, and as their Eftates 
profper. If we mould pray for fome, that 
their Bodies might be, as their Souls are, 
we fhould curfe them, inft^d of praying for 
them: We muft fay, let their Bodies befil* 
led with noifome Difeafes, and let them pin$ 
away, for fo their Souls do. 

But it was not fo with Gains. Hence oi> 
fcrvc, 

Note. Though a per/on of afickly and weak 
conjlitution be under many difadvantages , yet 
under them all ft ispoffible his Soul may thrive, 
and pro/pen 2 Cor. 4. 16, Though our out- 
ward Man perijh, yet our inward Man is r(- 
m newed day ty day f 

Here take notice, that when I fay fuch a 
Man is under fome difadvantages, I mean in 
refpeft of^the outward Duties of Religion, 
but not as to the inward, and fpiritual Du- 
ties ; as living by Faith, exerciiing the Love 
of God, and the Fear of God ; and defies 
after the enjq^ment of God : Herein <$g)r 
fifts true Religion. Wo be to that Man, ttefc 
frath no jnore Religion, then can he feen, 

C 4 Rdigjoa 



in) 

Religion is not all Outfide, the Lifting is 
the bed part of it. The TeXt bears the 
Dofltrine (mentioned in the firft place) thus, 
fobn wiihfeth that Gaius might profpfer in all 
things, as his Soul profpered ; we muft un- 
derlrand him in fubordination to Soul-prof- 
ferity. fob* wilheth that Gains irtight prof- 
fer in all things, fo that his Soul might Hill 
frolper* If Gains Soul had received pre- 
judice, fofon had wifhed him a great lofs.- So 
that the obfervation is clear : 

That of all projpcrities, SouUtirofferity is 
ffre tncfi defiratle profperity. 



S E R* 



1**4 



SERMON IL 

I Now proceed to that Ob&rvation 1 
firft intended, in the choice of the 
words, But take notice firft ; That 
the Text gives a fair, and foil occasi- 
on, to fpeak to it, though perhaps not difi 
cenflad at firft.. fohn 9 ye iee^ wifheth all 
yrdfperity to his friend Gains : bat this muft 
be underftood in i way of fubferviency to 
the profperity of his Sbul : Otherwife, he 
had wiflied him far more hurt, then good. 
If he had wifhed him any thing, that, in the 
leaft* had been to the prejudice of his SouL 
It is then beyond all controverfic, That as 
he wifhed that he might prbfper, in all things 
ss his Soul profpered, he would be under* 
ftood, that his oefire was, That his Soul al- 
ways might profper. Hence obferve, 

Do&. Of all profperity, the ftofperity cf 
the S mL> is the mofi defir able profperity. 

For the Explication, three things are to 
hsfpokentoo. 

t. What the Soul is in its natural confti- 
tution, and what it is in its unregenerate 
fate by r&ribn of Original corruption. 

i. Wherein die prefceriw d t\^ Sa& 



confifteth, and when it may be faid to prof- 
per. 

3, What are the Reafons , whereby it 
may be made l to appear, that the profperi- 
cy of the Soul is the moft defirable prof- 
perity. 

For the firft of thefc, there are two things 
to be taken into confederation, and to be 
fpoken to apart 

1. What the Soul is, in its natural con- 
ftitution. • 

Anf. It is hard to tell you, for it is a things 
which no Man ever law : But this I may fay 
that it is that ,which the Scripture fometime 
calls, The Spirit of Man which is in him 9 i Cor,— - 
2.1 1. Sometimes, and indeed moft frequent- 
ly, The heart of Man. Prov. 23.26, My* 
Son give me thine heart : The inward Man,-* 
% Cor. 4. 1 6. The hidden Man of the heart $ 
I Pet. 3. 4, The Candle of the Lord, Prov.io* 
2.7. And this I may fay farther ; That it is 
avuft* excellent piece of Gods Workman/hip, 
and indeed well worth the. tongue, and pen of 
a* Angel to defcriheit; The Body of Man, 
though it was of mean extra&ion ; made, at 
firft, bijt of the Duft of the Earth, and liable 
every moment, when God will, to tumble 
into the grave, to rot, and putrifie, and to 
be refolved into its firft original : Dtift thou 
art 3 and unto Duft /halt thou return again% 

Gca 3, 19, Yet that it i*a very curious 
- ' " pieces 






I>7] 

piece ; David fpeaking of his Body, Pfa% 
139. faith verf.15, 14, That he was fearful- 
iy } and wonderfully wade. When I think 
thereof, faith he, £ as I do fometimes ) it 
ftriketh njewith aftonifhment, yea with % 
dread, and fear of the incomprehensible wifc 
dom, and power of God mahifefted therein. 
This my Soul knows full well ; yet this is 
but the Cafe, the Cabinet : The Soul is the 
Jewel that is in it : If that be as the Ring, 
this is the Diamond in the Ring. I ffaall not 
undertake an exaft definition of it, but only 
this defcription. 

It is a Spiritual, Immortal fubftance uni- 
ted to the Bpdy, yet exifting, when it is (e- 
parated from tne Body ; capable of doing 
more fervice unto God, and of receiving 
more good from God, then all the Crea- 
tures that ever God made, the glorious An- 
gels, and the Human Nature of Chrift only 
excepted. 

I ftiall not infift upon the proof of t^e 
particulars of this defcription. Some '& 
them may, poflibly come to be fpoken to, 
hereafter : Only, tor the prefent, take notice 
that it is endued with three moll excellent 
Faculties,which will go for, if no more (hould 
at any time be find, in proving this to be 
fa 

1. With the faculty of Vnderganding, ca- 
pable of knowing Good from Evil j Tnrth 



[28] 

from Falfhood ; of knowing God in Chriflr, 
the knowledge of whom is Eternal Life, 
Job. 3 i. 8. There is a Spirit in Man, and the 
infpiratioh of the Almighty giveth him Vn- 
derftanding. Every Soul hath this faculty, 
though this faculty in every Soul be not fo 
furniuaed, yet it is capable of the infpiration 
of the Almighty, fo as to know the truth as 
it is in Jefus, and every truth, as it ought 
to be known ; without which, Man were 
no more capable of fucli knowledge then 
the Beafts or the field ; as Elihu exprefleth 
himfelf, Job. 3 £. 1 u Who teacheth us more 
then the Beafts of the Earth ; and maketh u& 
wifer then the Fowls of Heaven. Therefor^ 
Nebuchadnezer, upon the higheft grounds 00 
reafon^ praifeth, and niagnifieth God, for"" 
reftoring his underftanding unto him. Dan^ 

4-34- • ■ « 

^. Endued it is with the admirable facul — 

ty q{ Conscience, which hath a power to make 

a Man ftaod in awe of God, though he does 

not fee him ; yea, and of himfelf too, when 

no Body knows where he is> nor what he is 

doing. For it taketh knowledge, and can, 

or, at laft day, will bear witnels what a 

Man hath thought> p£ jjpoken, or done ; e- 

ven from his Cradle :to Ijis Grave : So that 

no Man need to call lor "a Candle, to fee 

what he hath done in the dark Though 

the darknefc of the xiight spay hide us from 

-others,; 



1*9] 
others, and the darhnefs of our mind may 
hide us from our felves ( for Conscience may 
be hardened, it may be feared, but it can 
never be blind ) yet {till it hath an eye 
open, to fee into our molt retired thoughts, 
which no eye can fee, but his, who feeth alt 
things. And farther, this is a faculty full 
of power, that it can acquit, or -condemn, 
torment or comfort a Man as the matter 
requires, fey all the World whattfiey can to 
the x&ntrary, Rom.z. 1415*. 

3. It is endued with the faculty of the 
Will, which hath a liberty ofchoofing what 
is good, and refufing what is evil, To that 
nothing can hurt us without our own con- 
ient. Matth. 10. 28, Fear not them which 
MH the Body, but are not able to kill the&onl 
Satan cannot make any of his Fiery darts 
flick, unleis we will our fel ves. He did not 
by Iris power (for he could not) force Eve 
to eat the forbidden fruit, though he found 
her alone, without her Husband; but by his 
fubtilty he beguiled her. It is true,:he is 
laid to have filled the heart of Ananias, fo 
as to lye to the Holy Ghoft, but he could 
blame none but himfelf for it. -Aft. $• 3>— 
Why is iU faith Peter, that Satan hath filled 
thine hearty to lye to the Holy-Ghofl i He 
could not deny, but that it was his own do- 
ing t The Devil only pulled the Latch, ahd 
he qpened the door himfelf. - 



[30] 

Thcfe are excellent endowments : N< 
of a Soul endued with all thefe excellent 
culties, in refpeft of its original conftituti< 
in every living Mad, even the poorefl Ca 
out ( like that infant Ezek. x 6. y . ) upon tt 
account only 9 not confidered as beautifi 
tirith the excellencies of the hew Creature 
is, that our Saviour faith, Matth. 16. 2 
That it is far more worth then the wh< 
World. That the gaining of the one, woi 
not recompence the k>fs of the other. N< 
as we % of a poor child, idling and beggi 
about the Streets, that is of a good G01 
flexion, hath a good wit, and a healt 
conftitution, That it is a thoufand pities tl 
Inch a lovely, hojpeful Giild (hould be 1 
•dorte for want of breeding, and educatk 
So we may fay much more, and that up 
many accounts, That it is fad,exceeding, 1 
fpeakably fad, that fuch an excellent Or 
ture as the Soul of Man is, fhould perifh, 
ttrnally pcrifti, and become the moft mi 
rabk thing that ever God, made, ( next 1 
to the Devil) for want of good looking 1 
and that the wellfare and profperity there 
fliould never be minded. It were a blefl 
thing, if Men did but know the worth 
their Souls, and value them accordingl 
David indeed did fo. He counted it 1 
Darling, his only One, PfaL 22. 20. He m 
fo choice, and tender of it, as knowing t 

;' '. ■' WC 



C3i] 
wellfare thereof did fo much concern him* 
that he would truft none but God with it; 
Pfal. 3 1. £• Into thy hand, I commit my Spi- 
rit; But for ihe generality, though called 
Chrtftians, yet, for this,deferve not the name 
of Men, that they deal worfe with their 
Souls, than Jofkna did with the Gileotutes. 
He \ made them but hewers of Wood, and 
drawers of water, but it was for the fervice 
of the Tabernacle. But they caufe their 
Souls to attend the fervice of the World, 
-and that in the bafeft drudgery ; and to 
Jpend, and wear away their ftrength, in ma- 
nog^rovifion for the lulls of the fleih, the 
luft of the Eye, and the pride of life. ( But 
this I may ipeak to, if the Lord pleafe, in the 
Application*) Only, I would ask, Whb is he 
that can think of it* without Jadnefs, that ft> 
noble a Creature fhould be fo bafely abufed? 
That being fo Spiritual in its Conftitution, 
it fhould be fo Senfual, fo Carnal, in its Ope* 
rations ? 

This is all that I {hall fay of the firft 
branch, of the firft thing that was pronofcd ; 
What the Soul is, in its original conftituti- 
on. Unlets this be well considered, we fhall 
never be convinced, That of all profperitv* 
the profperity rftbe Soul, is the moji dcfiriwk 
profperity. 

a. I now proceed to the fccond branch ; 
Jn what cafe it is, in its unconverted Hate, 

ri .: by 



by reafod of original Corruption. If I ihould 
lay no more then this, it were enough : That 
it is in as bad a cafe, as fin can make it, ha- 
ving loft the image of God, the favour of 
God,and all communion with God; as it js 
fet forth unto us, in that threefold Parabifc, 
Luk. i f. of the loft Groat, the loft Sheep, 
and the loft Son. But this is not all ; for 
what by reafon of original fin imputed* I 
mean the firft fin of Adam in eating, of the 
ibrhidden fruit, and believing the Fjatfcter . of 
Lies, before the God of truth* This h dim* 
gedupon every Soul,bccaufe the common 
Soul of Mankind was then in Adm$ And 
even for this, jevery Soul in its «n wgqoc- 
jcate ftate, is.ii curled Soul. And than far- 
ther, by i&x*?n of original fia, communica- 
ted, and imparted, the very image of Sated 
is engraven upon it; To. that it is &Hfif\ue- 
righteoufnefc, a very Seed-plot of all ungod- 
linefs. I (hall farther amplify this, in fpeak- 
ing a little, and but a little, of that wofrl 
defolatio'n, that is made hereby, in all thole 
faculties of the Soul,- mentioned but now* 
Something of this had need be laid, and well 
>confidered of; otherwife, a Man will never 
be convinced of the abfolute neceflity, of 
minding the profperity of the Soul, above ail 
other profperities* * 

i. It is undeniable, that a woful defecti- 
on is made in the underftanding, for it U 



[33] 
filled with vile, and unworthy apprehenfi- 
ons, and mlfapprehenfions of God. PfaL 50^ 
xi, Thou thought eft) that I was altogether 
fuch a one as thyfelf. That he lookt upon the 
rtioft notorious iins, but as Human infir- 
mities, for fo the man fpoken of there, did ; 
not any light at ail in it, to feek after Re- 
conciliation with God, in that way, where-* 
in it ttiay be found. Rom 34I 1, there is none 
that Underftandeth, there is none thatfeeketh 
after G»d. Full of Pride, and ftefhly Reafon- 
ings it is, and contradi&iorjsagainft the truth. 
No more able to difcern Divine, and Super-* 
natural Truths, as they pught to be decer- 
ned, then a Beaft can difcern the things of 
Man. 1 Cor. x. 14, But the natwcdMan re- 
ceiveth not the things of the Isftttt of God, 
for they are foolifhnefs unto him, neither can 
he know them^ becatife they are Spiritually, dif 
cerned. It is faid Col x. z$> to be a fl?ihiy 
itfind : So that though eVery one bp not 
born a Natural Foofl, yet eVery one is born 
a Spiritual fool. The rtioft refined, urire- 
generate perfori is Ao better. Thofe Vir- • 

?[ins Mdttbi >j. that made fo fair a profef-- 
ion, are^ faid to be foolifti Virgins, content- 
ing therrifelves with Limps without Oy t 
Thus the eye of the Soul is darkened i'H6w 
great then ( as our Saviour faith, Matth. 6.- 
43.) is the darknefs of the whole Soul i $& 
gteat it is, that k is wholly thdrtby eftran-^ 



[34] 
gcd from the Jife of God. Ephef 4. 1 8. 

2. No lefs defolation is made in the Con- 
fcience : As the Mind, fo the Confcience is 
defiled, Tit. 1. 1 $• This is very fad, if we 
fconfider either the Office the Confcience is 
defigned for, or the particulars wherein the 
defilement of it, coniifteth. 

1. Tts Office. It is the Candle of the Lord, 
by which a Man fliould be directed in the 
way wherein he ought to walk Indeed; 
God having given it fuch a power, and com- 
mand over Man, that nothing but God is 
above it : therefore it is, that though a Man 
may do that fometiraes, which is againft his 
will, and againft his affe&ions, and not fin ; 
yet he ought hot to go againft his Confci* 
Aice, though it be Erroneous, becaufe Con- 
fcience witnefleth for Cod ; fo that to go 
againft Confcience, though the thing be not 
materially finful, yet formally it is ; becaufe 
the autority of God is contemned : there* 
fere it is fad Rm. 14. 23, He that doubtetb 
is damned If he eat% lecaufe he eateth not of 
Faith i for whatfoevtr is not of Faith 7 is 
fin. 

%. For the defilement of Confcience, I 
fhall inftance only in two branches. 

1. It is defiled with ignorance : Such a 
thick vail of darknefs is grown over it, as 
though it obferves every thing that is done ; 
Jet it often naoft JharaefuJly miftakej Evil 

for 



Us] 

Sir Good jand Good for Evil. I told you, that 
it (hould be to a Man's a&ions, as the Pilot 
to the Ship, to Guide and Steer it right* 
by a right Rule, to a right End; But ha- 
ving no light, it leads a Man down to Hell; 
when he thinks he is in the high way to 
Heaven. As a Pilot having toit his Com- 
pels, <Sr the ufe of it, in a dark night, runs 
upon the Rocks* when he thinks he is enter* 
ing into the Haven. Joh.ig.z>~Tbe time 
tmdth, that whofoever killeth you, will think 
be doth God fervice. Aft. 26, 9. I verily 
thought^ with my /elf, that I ought to Jo many 
things contrary to the name rffeJitfofNazfr 

reth; 

x. It is defiled with ftupidity, and unfen- 
fiblenefs, iTim. 4.2,-— having their C&nfcience 
(tared with ak hot Iron. It is true, the Apo? 
file (peaks there, of an habitual hardnefe, 
grown upon Men by long continued euftom 
of finning; till they fin, and know dot ; till 
they fin and care not : Yet it & originally in 
the Confidence at firft, and doth not fo touch' 
come into it, as grow out, of it; as 'that 
forigg of an Oak; which at mft ( \frteff it 
nrft appears ) is very tender, e^ly iwrned 
this way, or that way; bur grows at laft, 
tad that by its inbrfcd quality, into, a^ird 
sod ftubborn bough ;fo it is here. It is 
worth our observing tp this purpof?,ihat 
#hae the Prophet David* PJaLt% \.M 

B * Sir 



[Jrf] 

53. 3. fpeaks of fome Men, that they are al- 
together become filthy, the Apoftle Rom. 
3. 1 0,12,13. applies to all, in their unrege- 
nerate ftate. So what is fpoken of the un- 
ifenfiblenefs of fome Mens Confciences, may 
be applied to all, in their unregenerate ftate : 
for the longer they continut in that ftate, 
the fooner tliey grow to that degree of ftu- 
pidity, to be ( as they /?/>£. 4. 18.) paft all 
feeling; Confcience in their Breafts, is, as 
it were, in a dead fleep ; it fuffers them to 
live in a ftate of fin, and go on in a way of 
fin, without any check, or any, that is to 
any purpofe regarded ; like a Serpent that is 
charmed, and neither fting<r, nor bites. Gen. 
37. 15; And they fate //own to eat bread \ af- 
ter they had cafl their Brother into a pit. In 
this fad cafe is the Soul, in refpeft of the Un- 
derftanding, and the Confcience. 

3. But in fome refpe&s, the moft woful 
defolation of all, is made in the Will. It is 
true that original corruption frets like a 
gangrene through the whole Soul, but the 
poifonofit chiefly hath infefted the Will. 
All that the Scripture fpeaks of the hardnefe 
of the heart, and of the ftiff neck, and the 
Iron-fine w , is little or nothing elfe, but 
the obftinacy, and frbwardnefs , and per- 
vcrfefiefs of the Will. Much might be faid 
to this : But I fhall inftaace only in this; 
that it is full of contrariety to the holy, tqd 

righte- 



[37.1 
righteous will of God. I would, faith God, 
- and ye would not, as he often complains in 
the Scripture, Matth. 23. 27. PfaL 81. 11. 
This is the mifery of an unregenerate Soul: 
for the will of God is not only abfolutely 
good in it felf, but it is alfo Relatively good 
to every Soul, that in godly fincerity fub- 
mits to it. Mkh. 6. 8, He hath Jbewedtbee, * 
O Man, what is good Q good for thee) Deut. 6. 
24, The Lord commanded us to do all thejc 
Statutes 9 to fear the Lord our God, for our 
good always. So that the Will of Man is 
abfolutely crofs to the happinefs of the whole 
Man, in being fo crofs to the Will of God. 
It may truly be faid of every Man, That no- 
thing Hands fo much in the way of his 
Salvation, as his own Will. Jok 5.40, And 
ye will not come unto me, that ye might have 
life. I might farther exemplifie this, in 
! Inewing how corrupt, and naught it is in all 
J its operations, in choofing what it ought to 
I loath. Prov. 21. 10, The Soul ofthewjckeji 
defireth evil. Ifa. 66. 3 , — -.their Soul deli$t<* 
s tth in their abominations. And in loathing 
what it ought to choofe. It is charged up- 
on them, Lev it. 26. 43. That tjfcir Souls 
abhorred the Word of God ; \fpuld not fuf- 
fer it to come near their hearts, but caft it 
behind their backs, Pfal. $0. 1 jr. Neither i$ 
this out of Diftemper only, as a N Maa vafesxv 

hekfwkmay loath the pleat, wKi^YfiVm-* 

D 3 ^\*tf\ 



[38] 
fyken he is well r but out of antipathy, ancj 
inbred enmity, which may be mortified, but 
jean neyer be reconciled Nay, it is farther 
charged, Zech.u.%. That their Souls ab- 
horred God himfelf ; though not as an uni- 
yerfal good, and the giver of every good 
thing :' but as a particular good, and crofs 
' to their lulls, and carnal interefts : When it 
comes to that, then they fey, as Job. xi. 14. 
Therefore *, they fay to the Almigbtf y depart 
from us, far m Jefire not the knowledge of thy 
Ways. Of fiich things, they are willingly i£ T 
norant % Pet. 3. 5, I mall (hut up this lad difc 
tourfe with this .• That the Will of every 
unregenerate Soul, is called, The mil of the 

FlefcEph.i.y An ^ *!* W *N °f ^ W e ™» & 
the very fame with that which is called, The 
will of the Devil 9 % Tm. %.i6. 

Thus ye have fomething fpoken, to both 
the branches of the firft thing that was pro* 
pofed for the explication of the Point. 
u ( O Wlwt the Soul is in refpeft of its 
original conftitutiQn. This is fit to be coh r 
tfdered ; otherwife it will be ( I think ) im^ 
poflible to cbqvinqe aMyi of the truth of 
the Do&rine. That of a£ profperities, /he 
ptofperity of the Soul is the moff kefir able prof 
pertty. 

'" (x.) "In what cafe it is, in its unregene* V 
rate ftate,by reafon of original corruption*: 
Otherwife, it will t>e as hard to convince 3 

Mai^l 



t r V > 



ii 



[JS>] 
Man, of the abfolute necdfity of minding, 
as he ought, the wellfare and profperity of 
his Soul. In refpeft of the former, one 
would think it were irapoffible, that a Man 
believing this to be true, and that his Soul , 
muft live with him, when he is dead, either 
in Eternal happinefs, or Eternal mifery, 
ihould fufler fuch an excellent thing to be 
loft, and perifh through his own default. la 
refpeft of the latter, one would think it iin* 
poflible, that fuch a vile, fuch an abomina* 
ble thing as fin haf h made it, ihould ever 
come to be good, and profper. And, indeed, 
it is beyond the power of Men, or Angels to 
effed it. The recovery of a loft Soul is 
more pretious then fo. But to this it may be 
faid, as our Saviour feid to his Difciples, Mat. 
I9*z6 f With Me*, it is itnpoj/il/e, hut all 
things are pojfihle to God. 

2. I proceed to the fecond thing propofed, 
to fhew, wherein the profperity of the Soul 
confifts, and when it may \k faid, to prof- 
per? 

By way of Anfwer to this, we mud take 
notice, that Soul-profperity, comes under a 
double confideration. 

i. Inrelbe&ofitsRife* 

%. In relpe& of its Growth, 

x. Inrefpe&of its Rife, and £rft Founda- 
tion. This muft be confukred two ways. 

P4 ^ 



L> 



t < 



J* [40] 

S (1.) Either as looking, after it, upward, 
without us; 

(x.) Or looking after it, inwardly, with- 
in us. 

i* If we Ipok after it, upward, we fliall 
,. find its firft foundation laicf in God s Eter- 
nal, Ele&ing Love. 

2. If we look after it inwardly, within 
us, then wc (hall find, that it begins in that 
day, and hour, when by the word and /pirit 
"of- Chrift the whole Man, both Body and 
Soul, is brought into 3 ftate of Fellowfhip, 
?nd Union with Chrift. Which is done, and 
not done any other way ( I fpeak not of E- 
ie$ Infants, dying in their infancy ) then 
by obeying the call of Chrift, to cgme to 
him, apd abide with him, and in him, re- 
. jfigniug pur felves to him, to be ruled, and 
"fitvedby him, in his own way : Thus un- 
flerftand it. 

j. God ? s Eternal love, is God's Eternal 
purpose, tp work in the Soul, in his appoin- 
ted time, that good thing, which he knows, 
will put it into g capacity .of profpering, EpK 
! i« 9, Hi made known to us the my fiery of his 
will, according to his good pleafure, as be had 
furpofed in himfelf yer. n, In whom Q that 
is, in Chrift) we have obtained an inheritance^ 
being predejtinated according to the purpofe of 
him who worheth alt things after the ccunfelof 

pis own wilt. This Eternal ptirpofe, ye fee, *6 

do 



\ 41 J 

do fo and fc, for to work fo and fo, in fuch, 
and fuch a Soul, is his Eternal love to thpfe 
Souls. , 

The time when this purpofe takes effeft, 
is then, and not till then, when the Soul 
obeyeth the call of Chrifh. Then it is, that 
an aftual Application of that good thing, 
which was intended, is made. - This is ex- 
emplified in the Lord's dealing with Paul. 
tie was a chofen VeffeUfrom all Eternity^ Aft, 
9 . 1 y. But then was not this good thing 
wrought in him,by the improvement where- 
of his Soul might profper, 'untill he obeyed 
the Call of Chrift : For till then, he was a 
Perfecutor of the Church of God, and that 
beyond meafure, But when it pieafed God 
to call him by his grace, and to reveal his 
Son in him ; then, that good thing was 
wrought in him, according as God had pur- 
poied, as he declares, Gal 1. 13, 14, 15V 16, 
Immediately, he conferred not with flefh, and 
Blood. But ( as Aft. 9. 20. ) he ft rait way 
Preached in the Synagogue^ that ChriH was- 
the Son of God \ for as he tells King Agrippa, 
Aft. 2(5. 1 p, He was not difohedient to the 
heavenly Vifion. Now, if ye ask what this 
good thing was, which he received in obey- 
ing this call, in improvement whereof, His 
Spul began prefently to profper ? I fliall give 
it you in a word : It was a Heaven-born 
principle of Spiritual life. 1 Job. $.i%. He 
r that 



[4*1 

that bath the Son, hath Life, and he that bath 
not the Son hath not life. Then (as he (aith 
Epb.z. j.) He was quickned, who before was 
dead in fins, and trejpajes. Then, his Soul 
was in a way of thriving. As a Tree, when 
there is life in the Root, it is capable, if weli 
ordered,, of profpering, and bringing forth 
fruit. 

Thus it is evident, that if we look upward, 
we find the firfl: foundation of Soul-profperi- 
ty is laid in God's Eternal, Ele&ing Lov6 
But if we look inward, it is then laid, when 
once, we are effedually called, zTim< 1.9* 
Who hathfavedm, and called m with an holy 
calling: That is, He hath brought us into a 
ftate of Salvation ; which is the only ftate 
wherein the Soul profpers. And there it 
Ihall profper. Rom. 0.28* And we know that 
all things work together for good, to them that 
lave God, to them that are called according to 
bis purpofe. verf30. Moreover, whom he did 
predefiinate, them he alfo called ; and whom 
be called^ them be alfojufiijied ; and whom he 
jufiijfed, them he alfo glorified. When this 
Call is firft obeyed, the Soul begins to prof 
per, for the ynderftanding begins then to 
be (avingly enlightened, z Pet. 1. 9, But h 
that lacketh theje things is- blind, and cannot 
fee far off. In that day of God's power, the 
Soul is made willing, r/a/. 110.3, And then 
the Confidence begins to be purged from 

dead 



^i 



[43] 
dead works, Heb.y.i 4. And this good thing, 
thus, in this day begun, ihall, one day, be 
made perfeft,in full and abfolute Soul pro- 
sperity. 1 Thef P 5. 23, The very God of peace 
Janftijje you wholly. So prays the Apofile 
for them, and is cortfident his prayers ihall 
be heard, verf.%^ Faithful is he that calletb 
jo*, who willalfo do it. He faith to the £*» 
rinthianSf i Gor. 1.8,9. H^ho fhall confirm 
you to the end, that ye way be blamelefs in the 
day of our Lordjefus Chrift, God is faithful, 
by rthomye were called unto tbefellowfiip if 
bhSonfefusChriSf. 

I might now difmifs this point, concern* 
ing the firft Rife^nd Foundation of this Soul- 
profperity ; and proceed to (hew the growth 
and progrefs of it But I muft firft fpeak afew 
words, to prevent, if poflible, all miftakes 
by any thing that hath been kid. It can* 
not be denyed, but in fome, that never vet 
heartily, and unfeignedly obeyed the call of 
Ctyrift, what by one means, what by ano- 
ther, they living under the miniftry of the 
Gofpel, there may be wrought nof only a 
fair Reformation of the outward Man, hut 
fikewife fome inward work upon the Soul; 
and that in each of the three forementioned 
excellent Faculties, which have an appear; 
ance of very great tendency to Soul-profpe* 
jrity , but indeed come very far fhort of it, as 
tQ the truth, and reality of the matter. 



[44] 

i . In the Underftanding, there may be 
much light in the things of God. We read 
Matth. 7.2 2. that not only one or two, but 
Many fhall fay , we have Prophefied in thj 
K Name. Some think they lyed in faying fo, 
, as - if none were partakers of fuch excellent 
gifts in their unconverted ftate,but the Scrip- 
ture is clear to the contrary, HeL 6. 4,— 
'Thqje who were once enlightened \ and tafledof 
the heavenly gift y and were made partaken 
of the Holy Ghofl. — If they fhall fall away ,&c. 
Yet here was nothing really wrought, for 
the profperity of the Soul. They had none 
ofthofe good things, which do accompany 
falvation. verf 9. But , leloved* we are per- 
f waded better things of you > and things that d 9 
accompanj Salvation. Thus it is with ma- 
ny ; they know much, but their Souls are 
not fully brought under the* power, and au- 
thority of what they know : ltill, upon the 
account of fome luft, or other, they are un- 
der the power of darknefs, fpoken of Col i.„ 
13. Who hath delivered us from the power of 
'darknefs. 

2. In the Will, there may be fome light 
touches of the Spirit, inclining it to cleave 
to the outward and vifiblepart of Religion; 
together with fome workings in the moti- 
ons, and outgoings thereof in feveral affe- 
ctions, Matth. 13. 20, — the fame is he that 
bearetb the fVord and anon with joy reffiyefh 

it. 



L45J 
t. i King. ii. 17. Ahab rent his Clothes* 
.nd put Sack-cloth upon his flelh, and faded, 
nd lay in Sack cloth, and went foftly. verf 
,9. Stefi thou how Ahab humble tk himft if be- 
?re me ? And thefe ftirrings of heart may 
york fome refolutions, and fomething may 
e done in purfuance of thofe refolutions^ 
7*/. 78. 34,36,37, When he (lew them, then 
hey fought him, and they returned, and en- 
uired early after God, &c. 

3. The Gonfciencc likewife ihay be fo 
iwakened ; and fo much may an unregene- 
ate Man (land in awe of it, that he dare not 
jo againft the light thereof. Thus was it 
ivith Paul, he was fo exceeding zealous, and 
made fuch Confcience of obeying the Tra- 
dition of the Fathers, that he durft not but 
Jo as he did. AH. 26. 9. I verily thought with 
my f elf that I ought to do many things contra- 
ry to the Name of Jefus. And he had great 
peace in fo doing, Rom. 7. 9, For I was alive 
without the Law once. So had Abimelech* 
in that he did nothing, but what in confci- 
ence he thought to be Lawful. Gen. 20. 6. 
For this reafon, fo many among the fober 
fort of the Heathen commended a goodConr 
fcience. % 

All thefe things feera very fair, but lay 
tfiem all together, and let one and the famp 
Man be thus qualified in all thefe refpe&s; 
yet they arc not in the lead, any true evi* 

dence> 



deuce* that true, and real Soul-profperity 
begun in them. For all the light in his ur 
derftanding, his portion, at hit, will be u 
ter darknefs. And for the workings in tt 
Will, and the Confcience, though they ma 
fcem to be not far from the Kingdom of Go< 
as Mark. 1 2.34. Yet all is but as the Gral 
hoppers, which (as ye may obferve ) mat 
many a leap* as if they would mount up t 
the skies, and then prefently fall down t 
the Earth again. Still, one thing is warn 
ing : They are not effe&ually called : No 
by all this, can any prove, that they ai 
tailed into a (late of Union widk Chrifl 
Therefore they have no Spiritual life. Th 
tJnderftanding is ftill dead, the Confcienc 
dead, the Will dead, the whole Soul fpiritt 
ally dead : Far be that bath n§t the S<n 
bath net life, 1 Job. 5. ix. So that they ai 
jiot yet in the right way of Soulthrivinj 
As whUft a dead Tree is % dead Tree, it cai 
not profper, nor bring forth fruit This u 
may fee in thofe that had moft to fhe 
for themfelves : So much) that the Scriptui 
calls it, feeking and enquiring after God 
Rememhri*£ that the moft High was tbei 
Reeky &c. Pfal. 78.34, 35% 36. Yet tha 
was no Soolrprofperity begun, verf. 37. a 
this while, their hearts were not right 
they were Spiritually dead. Therefore \ 
ye defire to find any Evidence within yoi 



:he Foundation of Soul-profj^erity : Give 
gence to make your calling Jurc 9 z Pet.i. 
This makes it fare, that yc are with- 
the CQg^pafsqf Ek&Ulg lpve, tod that 
i haffiaMfcfrt in you according to his 
pofe. W ' 



*mw 



mm 




SER- 



«■*■«■ 



*■•*■ 



■ < 



L^ u J 



„V". 



SERMON IB. 

'■-.■*■ 



«■ 



I Proceed now to the fecond particular. 
To (hew wherein the profperity of the 
Soul efpecially confifteth : and when it 
may be faid, to thrive, and prdper. 
This is the principal thing, the Text, add 
Do&rine engage to fpeak unto. And, in- 
deed, to fpeak unto it, is exceeding necefia- 
ry : You may well remember what was laid 
clown in a Do&rine, not long fince handled. 
That a living Chriftian, though alive to 
God, yet in refpeft of his Chriftianity, and 
Religion, may be in a withering, languifh- ' 
idg condition ; as far from profpering, as 
thofe Trees are, whole leaves fall off; the 
boughs wither, and the root decays. It is 
fo with many. As it is much talked on, 
that thefe times have brought forth many 
broken Merchants : So they have man V 
broken, or almoft broken Profeflbrs. Goo** 
beginnings ( it is too often found ) are na*- 
always feconded with fuitable proceedings^ 
Too many are too like the New Moon it* 
its firft qtfarter, then it gives much lights 
but it is down again, and it's dark again al& 

over^ 



[49] 

6ver before the Morning light. It wds a 
fad queftion, which the Apoltle put to the 
Galatians, chap. 5. v. 7, Te did run vdcO, who 
did hinder you ? It was a queftion, with & 
very (harp rebuke in it ; and it withal im- 
ports, that no fatisfying reafon could be gi- 
ven y why they Ihould make fuch a halt* 

Now in fpeaking to this neceflatry pointy 
I (hall firft mention fome things in general, 
wherein the profperity of the Soul confifta 
And then fomething, which may more par- 
ticularly demonftrate the truth, and reality 
of it. 

1. In general. I fhall premife ; That as 
the firft Rife, and Foundation of Soul-prof- 
perity ( as to any poffibility of Evidence, 
that fuch a thing is begun J i& laid in thofe 
principles of Spiritual life, which are recei- 
ved by virtue of Union with Chrift : So the 
growth and progrefs thereof confifts in thcif 
increafe. As they increafe, fo the profpe- 
rity of the Soul increafeth, and no otherwife.* 
It is poffiblc a Man may grow in gifts, and 
be very forward in exercifing them, and yet 
the Soul not thrive. It is faid of the Cor fa 
tbians, they came behind in no gift, 1 Cor. u 
7. but their grace did not thrive anfwera* 
bly to their gifts. - No, they were ftiil but 
Babes, and very carnal 1 Cor. 3. 1, 2,3. 

2, I farther premife this : That there is 
a natural tendency in the principles of thi9 

£ life 



life to grow, as there is in the beft Seed^tJiat 
is caft into the ground to grpw,and to bring 
forth fruit according to its kind : For they 
are the Seed of the living God ; tliere is lite 
in them, and every living thing grows ac- 
cording to the meafure, which the God of 
its life hath appointed. The Pi&ure of a 
Child doth not grow : it hath the fame di- 
menfions now, which it had twenty years 
ago* But the living Child, to which thefe 
principles are compared, that, by receiving 
kindly nourifliment, grows, i Pet. z. z, As 
new born Bales defire the fincere milk of the 
word, that ye way grow thereby. And cer- 
tain it is, that no work of the Spirit is de- 
figned for glory, but that which is growing. 
x Cor. 3. 1 8, But we all with open face, be- 
holding as in a Glajs, the glory of the Lord, are 
changed into the fame image from glory to glo- 
ry > even as by the fpirit of the Lord. Gifts 
may wither, but grace will grow into glo- 
ry. 

Thefe two things preraifed, I come now 
to fpeak ( and that firft of thofe things in 
general, which are undenyable evidences of 
Soul-profperity.) 

i. When this thriving and growth is uni* 
verfal: The Body profpers, when there is a 
healthy conftitution all over : When the 
Head is well, the Stomach is well, and all the 
vital parts are found within : But in Chil- 
dren 






[Si] 
that have tlie Rickets, the Head is oftly 
ring, the inferiour parts of the Body 
g weak, and feeble •• When it is fo, we 
the Child prdfpers not. It is often- 
s fo with the Soul : It may feemingly 
per in fome things, when it doth ooc 
y profpcr in other things, or indeed irt 
thing- It was fo with many in the 
rch of Ephefus : Their zeal was wanfl 
eternals, in a high and mighty bppofi- 
againft falfe Teachers, Errours, and He- 
>, thefe they could not endure, Rev. % % . 
ut it was not fo in other things in the 
things, there was a great decay ift the 
ird Man, in the vitals of GodlineB, in 
) graces that accompany Salvation, ver. 
I have fomething agahft thee$ becaufe 
haft left thyfirft Drue. Remember there* 
c rom whence thok art fallen y and * repent, 
io thyfirft works. This is as far from 
Soul-profperity* as a Tradefman from 
ing, who gains by fome one pedling 
nodity, and lofeth thrice as much id 
:er matters. The Soul profpers, when 
rows up in all things* Eph.4. 15, But 
ing the truth in love, may grow up in all 
; j, in him who is the Head, even Chrift. 
are endlefs almoft to reckon up the thri- 
and jprofpering in every grace; t (hall 
?fbre inftance in x things, by the thriving 
reof, we may take an eftimate of the tab 



i* When the Soul thrives in thofe two 
;races, which by experience are found to 
lave as great an influence on the health of 
the Soul, as Natural heat, and Radical moi- 
.fture, ( fo Phyficians fay, and Rcafon faith 
ib too ) have upon the health of the Body. 
The r juft temperament of thefe, is that which 
preferves life, and health, and flrength. So 
when thefe two graces, that of Faith, which 
is as the Natural heat, and that of Repen- 
tance, which is as the Radical moifture, are 
thriving, and growing toward their full 
'height, then the Soul is in a very profper- 
ous way* 

i. When Faith grows, which is the Na- 
tural heat, as it did, 2 Thef.i.$ 9 — lecaufe 
that your Faith groweth exceedingly, and the 
charity of every one of you all, toward each 
' other aboundeth* 
' Now this growth is beft d ifcerned. 

1. When it grows in depth. So as the 
Soul is more and more fetled, grounded, 
rooted, and built up in Chrift. Col. 1. 23, It 
ye continue in the Faith } grounded, andjettled* 
And ch. 2.7, Rooted, and hut It up in him, au& 
.flaWJhed in the Faith. So that the hea*** 
is fixed, and is at peace within, when al* 
without is'ftaken, and the foundation of z%* 
tDrcature-cbmforts tut ned upfide down. K$ 
^Tte^, whofe Root doth remain firm, whe* 3 
"the top cfoth fliake. Pfal 56. 3, What tim&* 

laa* 



[»] 

/ am afraid, I will trufl in thee. He could 
keep his faith above his fears, PfaL 112*7. 
He fhail not be afraid of evil Ty dings, his 
heart is fixed, trujling in the Lord. Job. 13. 
1 5. Though be flay me, yet wiUItrt^l in him. 
As if he had faid : Though I read afentence 
of Death upon what concerns this Life; 
yjet I have fomewhat to truft him for, be- 
yond this Life. No danger, nor death ftiali 
beat me off from the holdtaft of my faith in 
God, through Chrift Jefus : When it is thus, 
■ that promife will be made good, Jfa.z6. 3, 
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whq/e 
mind is flayed* on thee, becaufe he truf}eth in 
thee. 

a. When it grows in breadth, fo as it 
gives a firm, abfolute, unlimited aflent to 
the whole truth of God, and receives the te- 
ftimony of God, as in one thing, fo in every 
thing, which it apprehends to be of God'; 
and that purely, becaufe God faith fo, what- 
ever Senieand Reafon, can objeft to the con- 
trary. So Ail. 24. 14. But I confefs unto 
thee, that after the way, whi^h they call He- 
refie, fo worjhip I the God of my Father s y be- 
lieving all things which are written in the 
Law, and the Prophets. Joh. 3.33, He that 
believe th his tejtimony, hath fit to his Seal 
that God is true, ( in every tlt&ig. ) I fpeak 
this of juftifying faith, not on^^ja^do^k! 
in its molt eminent ad, which lfc t6**0HYp 

E 3 ' . * V * V&W: 



[Hi 

Jefus Chrift, and reft upon him alone, for 
whatfoever may give a title to, or a fitnefe 
for eternal Salvation ; but in its moft full, 
icompleat) and perfefl: a&» aflenting to what- 
foever \s hiftorically delivered in the word ; 
jbclieying every Command, every Threaten- 
ing! every Promife, both of this life, and the 
life to come r $o as whatever is recorded 
in the word, is fo believed, not without fome 
gratious eflefl: upon the Soul. Obferve it 
in four particulars* 

( i.) A growing, thriving faith fo believes 
>vhat is Hiftorically delivered concerning 
the Creatiqn of the Worlds nothing is too 
hard for it. Although the things believedr 
jjo not yet appear ; yet that hinders not a 
full aiturance of their future cxiftence ; feeing 
the fame power of God, which created the 
World of nothing, can give a Being to what- 
ever he h$th {aid, fliaff be, when it feefltf 
jood uqto him r ffal. izi. z, My help cometly, 
from the J^ord^hkh made Heaven and Earth. 
As if he had faid ; I will never diftruft his 
power for whatever I ft and in need of, 
who could ered fuch a {lately F^brick from 
nothing. 

( 2 A growing, thriving faith believes 
$very Coipojand of God, PJal. 119. $6&~I 
have believed thy Commandments. He be- 
lieves them tQ be holy, juft, and good, and 
hfjjjgs dowa every thought more and more 



tssl 

in fubje&ion unto them all. Thus Abra- 
hams faith growing, and thriving hath ma- 
ny eminent a&s of obedience afcribed to ir. 
ffeb. 1 1 . 8. By Faith Abraham, when he was 
called of God, to go into a place which hejhould 
afterward receive for an inheritance^ obeyed % 
and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 
A hard tryal : For as it is in the Proverb ; 
The fmoak of a Man s own Chimney, « as 
good as the fire of another s. So that Com- 
mand, which was yet more hard, of offering 
up his only begotten Son, that is, of his wile 
Sarah, the Son of the Promife, in whofe 
Seed all the Nations of the Earth fhould be 
bletied, yet he fubmitted to it. Heb. n. 17. 
though he had but fhort warning, Gen.zz. z f 
3. Hie received the Command ^ver-night, 
and went about it next Morning. 

GO A growing, thriving Faith believes 
the threatnings of the Word ; and this be- 
lief makes the Soul to ftand in awe of thenu 
PfaL 119.161 , — my heart flandeth in awe cf 
thy word So Heb. 1 1 . 7. Niftr&'sFaith takes war- 
ning at the threatening .• He was moved with 
fear, and prepared an Ark to thefaving of his 
Houfe. This is not too low for the bed 
grown Faith to aft, nor be a&ed upon. God 
thought it not unmeet for Adam to make 
ufe ot, in Innocency, Gen. 3. 17. Job found 
it in himfelf, chap. 31.23, Dejtruft ion from i 
God was a terrour unto me : and by reafon 

E 4 <$ 



[S«J 
*f his fUghnefs^ 1 could not endure. 

(4.) A thriving, growing faith, with all 
thankfulnefs, accepts the Promifes, and with 
all heartinefs relyes upon God for the per- 
formance of mercy promifed. Refting up*- 
pn the promife, when he hath nothing eue 
to avouch it ; whea there is neither Senfe, 
nor Reafon to fecond Faith. So Abrakanr 9 
Rom. 4. 17, 18, &c. He believed God^ who 
guicienctb the dead, and calleth things that 
are not, as if they were .•• Who again (I hope, 
believed, in hope. And being not weak in 
faith, he confidered not his own Body now 
dead, &c. He ftaggered not at the promife 
of God, through unbelief, but was ftrong in 
faith, giving glory to God ; being fully per- 
fwaded, that what he had promifed, he was 
able to perform, x Cor. 5. 7, We walk by 
fafthy and not by fight, i.e. By the fenfibte 
enjoyment of what God hjith promifed, but: 
by faith, believing, and waiting for the ac~ 
complement: Notwithftanding all there; 
" al improbability, and feeming impoffibilities 
that are in the way : When faith thus grows, 
the Soul profpers exceedingly. Now the 
heart will be kept more fweet, and clean 

then ordinary, Att. 15.9, purifying their 

hearts by faith. The World will be Conquer- 
ed. 1 Job. 5. 4, And this is the vittory that 
.overcometh the Worlds even your faith. And 

^.hereby $atan himfelf is trodden under foot. 

/'■""-'' 2,. Wheq 



'): 



a. When Repentance grows ( which is 
as the Radical moifture) then the Soul prof- 
pers. Now Repentance grows, 

(i.) When there is a growth and increafe 
in the neqjflary adjunct of Repentance ; in 
that which is as inleparable from it,as heat is 
from the fire ; and that is in an hearty gridy 
and gocjly forrow for fin. This is necefla- 
ry, that the Soul may experimentally know 
the bitternefs of fin, and tafte, as it were, 
the Gall, and Wormwood that is in it. Jer. 
^•19, Thine own wickednefsjhaU corn 8 thee 7 
and thy backflidings fhall reprove thee : knout 
therefor e y and fee that it is an evil thing, 
and litter jthat thou hafiforfaken the Lord thy 
God, and that my fear is not in thee y faith the 
J^rdQod } of.hofis. And it is infeparable^for 
it cannot be rationally imagined, that a Man 
whofe Eyes are opened, to fee what great 
provocation there is in the leaft fin, as it is 
againft the mpft highland moll holy God? 
it is impoffible that it Ihould be without 
lome pricking of the heart, as they felt AR. 
* Ay. Now, when this grows, andincrea- 
fetn, fo as it reacheth not only Beams, but 
Motes, not only Camels, but Gnats ^melt- 
fog the heart with godly forrow before God; 
/or the leaft vain word proceeding out of 
the mouth ; yea for fmful filence, in nQt 
fpeaking, when and what we ought to fpeak ; 
and for the leaft {inful thought vw tYv^feroSr ,. 



.<. 



of our Souls, when this brings ns upon our 
knees before God, and that with the firft 
opportunity after the firft difcovery of it, 
as it did Davids z Sam. 24. j. Ana it cam 
to pafs y that afterward David 1 s heart fmott 
frit*. When it is thus, the Soul is in the 
high way of profpering. For, what tender* 
nefe, what watchfiilnefs , what humility, 
igh prizing of Chrift, are likely to 
m md profper in fuch a Soul, when it 
fees how it forfeits all its hopes every day, 
and therefore hath fach need of Ghrift eve- 
ry day, that the forfeiture may riot be ta- 

(z.) The Soul profpereth when there is a 
growth, and increafe in the Eflential parts of 
Repentance, and they are thefe two : (r.) 
Turning from fin* and (x.) Turning to God- 
Herein the very Eflence and Nature of this 
grace doth confift, To work this was. the 
fcope of the Apofflcs miniftry. Ait. *6. 
r8. And this is that, which forrow for ftti 
(if it be godly forrow indeed) doth work, 
a Cor. 7. 19. For godly forrow \yorketh Re* 
pentance to falvation, 

(1 •) For the former of thefe : When the 
heart is heated with holy indignation again ft 
the lead fin ; and againft it felf, for being 
through its own carelefnefi, furprized by it, 
and defiled with it, as J06 was, chap, 42. 6 
JPberefore I abhor my ftlf y and recent in ditfl 

CM 



and afhes. And when holy and humble 
refohitkxis, in the ftrcngth of Chrift, are 
more hightened to kcep*himfctf that the 
wicked one touch him not, i Job. 5-. 1 8, fo 
as to leave any of his polluting imprqflions 
upon him. ffd. 17. 3,— thw haft tryed me, 
and Jbalt find nothing. I am purpofid that 
my mouth faff not tranfgrefs. Pfitl. 39. * , 
J faid, I wilt take heed unto my ways, that I 
fin not with my tongue. Hofc 14. 8, Ephraim 
/hall fay 7 What hone I any more +0 do with 
fdols. Ha. 30. xx, Tejhall defile alfo the cove- 
ring of thy graven Images, of the ornament if 
thy molten Images of Gold: Thou fhalt caft 
them amy, as a menftruous cloth; thou Jbalt 
Jap unto it y Get thee hence. 

(x.y For the latter part .• Turning unto 
God ; it is evident, that this is an Eneatial 
part of Repentance. For every {in; fo far as 
it prevails, turns the heart from God. Jam. 
S.149 Every Man is temped when he is drawn 
4*way of bis own luft f and enticed. Jer. JX.JJ* 
^Andthey have turned to me the lack, and mt 

fbcface* Now the repenting finner, that 
prizeth the loving fcindnefs of God as bet- 
ter then life, then life with all its fillings 
up with earthly comforts, cannot but fct 
himfelf to turn unto God ; as they did, Ho- 
fea. 6. 1 , Come and let as return unto the L&rd* 
f*r he hath torn, and he will heal us* Turn 

$mo God, and that, - 

(1.) As 



L uuj 

(i.) As the- chiefeft good, out of an un-| J 

feigned defire to have his good will, to live 
in his love, and to enjoy Communion with 1 j 
him. Pfal. 4. 6, 7, — Lord lift up the light tt\ \ 
thy countenance upon us. Thou haft, put glad- 1 1 
nefs in my heart* more then in the. time, that 
their Corn, and their Wine inireafej. Plal 
73. zfritf, Whom have I in Heaven 4mt thee, 
and there is none upon Earth that I defire be- 
sides thee. My heart, and my ftejb faileth % 
but God is theftrength of my heart % and ny 
portion for ever. 

(2.) As our utmoft end ; reckoning iij> 
on it, that therefore we live, that we may 
exalt him, and fen&ifie his holy name in 
our hearts, and pleafe him in all our ways, 
(till endeavouring, that in alj things our 
end may fall in with his. Row. 6. ; 1 > Likc- 
ivife\ reckon ye alfo your J elves to be dead ir 
deed unto fin, but alive to G4>d Y through J>efw 
Chrijl our Lord^ Rom. 14. 7, 8, For nonetf I 
us Ifveth to himfelft and no Mm dyeth tQ 
himfelf: For whether we live, we live unto the 
Lord, and, whether we dye, we dye unto tb& 
Ldrdy whether we live therefore or die we ar^ 
the Lords. 

Thus ye fee when Repentance may b^ 
laid to grow ; and that in the growth there-^ 
of, the Soul exceedingly profpers. Ye hjiv^ 
likewife , the firft evidence of univerfaD 
growth, namely the growth qf Faith, ane£ 

Repen-- 



Repentance ; when thefe two grow in the 
Soul, which are as neceflary for the well- 
fare of the Soul, as the Natural heat, and 
Radical moifture are for the wellfare of the 
Body, then the Soul profpereth. The God 
of all grace blefs us all with this profperi- 
ty : This is profperity indeed. 

But with fadnefs of heart, it may be faid 
of thefe two graces, what is obferved of 
fome Outlandifh fruits, that though with 
inuchcoft, and care they are tranfplanted 
into this Countrey, yet they thrive not, 
as they do in their native Soil, becaufe 
of the coldnefs of the Climate. Even 
fo it is with Faith, and Repentance, though 
they are much fpoken of, yet they thrive 
not : Though in refpeft of their Root, they 
may be in the Soul, yet what through the 
coldnefs, deadnefs, fluggifhnefs, and unmor- 
tifiednefs of our hearts, they prdfper not; 
and therefore our Souls profper not, nei- 
ther can they ever profper, while thefe are 
negle&ed. „ 

2. I proceed now to the fecond inftance 
of univerfal growth : and that is, when that , 
blefling laid up in that promife recorded, : 
Hof. 14. y. is given forth ; when the God ■ 
of all grace is as the dew to the Soul ; fo 
that it grows as the Lilly, and as the Ce- 
dars in Lebanon. The dew, ye know, is a 
very fweet refrefhing moifture, to the dry, , 

acid ' 



1*1 

tod thirfty ground * which (baking into Ac 
Earth, makes it bring forth its fruity and 
the fruit thereof- to grow. So the dew of 
Heavenly influences, arid Divine fupplics of 
grace, -when they foil upon the Soul, they 
make die Root of Divine principles to bring 
forth fruit, and the fruit to grow* And 
when it grows as the ^Lilly* and as the Ce- 
dar, then the Soul pr ofpers* 

(*.) When it grows as the Lilly, lie 
Lilly* ye know, is a very lovely Plant. Se* 
bmon in all his glory, was not like it. Now, 
the Soul grows as the Lilly, when it grows 
inthofe lovely graces mentioned, Col 3. 11, 
jfowels \f mercies , kininefs\ htmblenefs if 
mad^meeknefs 9 kng^i^ering. Forbearing m 
^mtier.forgiviwg me mother. What a love* 
fy fight is it 1 6 fee (fofkras Man can fee)i 
Sb«l clothed with dbefe graces ? Lovely thcf 
are intbeeyies even of thofe^ that are (trad- 
gere to the life, atidjxwer of Religion $ thcf 
cannot skill of the oiyftcries of Faith, df 
Communion with God, of the life of Faith* 
©ftbe comforts of the HoJy Ghoft; but of 
tbefe things they •can judge, arid cannot but 
commend. Afl commended Crsmmer i that 
boly Martyr for his meeknef^ and kandnefe, 
even to thofe that had wronged him, that 
it grew to « Proverb, Do him art ill turn, 
and he wfll he your friend for eVer. So 
l&ewtie, it grows w vheLiHy, when it grows 

iri 



Httlenefs, peaceablenefs, and eafinefc, to 
itreated ; when there is an ingenuous fa- 
ir, either to be perfwaded to what is 
i, or diflwaded from what is evil,though 
lofe things that are contrary to our 
ler apprehensions, according to that ia 

.3.17, But the wifdom that is from about 
ft pure, then peaceable, gentle, eafie to be 
eated. — -This is lovely as the Lilly, 
ic there are who are guilty of that which 
mderaned, x Pet. 2.10, Self willed ; that 

not let go their prejudices ; as if .to 
ige their mind in what they are once 
aged, were a difparagement to them* 
s is very unlovely, for this is the great- 
folly, not to give place to right Reafon. 
s hath not been the way of thofc whole 
is have profpered. David hearkened to 

counfel of Abigail* and thought it no 
•aragement unto him *, yielding to the 
ngth of her reafons, to alter his mind ; 

blefled God that he fo happily met with 
, 1 Sam. % $. 3 x, 3 3 . It is Prophefied, Ifa. 
6, The Wolf /ball dwell with the Lamb, 

When Souls profper under the Govern- 

it of Chrift, they will be fo far fubdued, 

changed through the Spiritual efficacy 

roof, mat thole who, by nature, were as 

y, as violent, as untamed, and untra&a- 

I as Wolves, and Leopards, and Lyons, 

II be fo du&ile, teaqjiable, and perfwade- 

able 



[64] 
able to what is good, that a little Child 
fhall lead them, and prevail with them, to 
alter their mind, bringing Scripture and 
Reafon with them. This is lovely ; ' when 
thefe Principles of grace grow iti the Soul, 
the Soul grows as the Lilly. 

( 2. ) The Soul then profpers, when it 
grows, not only as the Lilly, but #s the Ce- 
dars in Lebanon, which are much fpoken of, 
in the Scripture. Of all Trees, thefe ihoot 
up higheft, and endure longeli : The Tim- 
ber whereof not being fubjett to rot, as other 
Timber. So that the Soul grows as the 
Gedar,when that deep, inward, rooted re- 
fpeft to things below* which rules in an un- 
mortified heart, is fo far mortified, that a 
Man's Treafure is changed : We now lay up 
our Treafure in Heaven, and fet our afre&i- 
orts on things that are above, mounting up 
as the Eagles, Ifa .40. 3 1. Looking after the 
things that are not feed, as the things our 
Souls delight in, hiving chofen them for 
our portion ; preparing for, lodging after, 
and rejoicing in hope of enjoying them. 
When things that are fcen afford us but lit- 
tle, but matter of care, and griefc -trouble, 
and forrow .• When the Soul drfeeps on the V 
Earth life a Snail, and is up in the things of \ 
the World, as an Eel in the Mud; then it ne- ' 
ver profpers* , 

* 

i* Whr* 1 



%. When a lading durable frame of god- 
linefs is, attained, and preferred, then like- 
wife it grows as the Cedar. As it faid of 
Mnocby Gen. 5. 2 1. That he walked with God 
3 00 years together. So it may be faid, that 

. our beft works are at Jail : as Rev.z.i^I know 
thy works ) and charity, and fervice, and faith; 
and thy patience, and thy works, and the lafi 
to he more then the fir ft. And that our Sal- 

■ : y ation is nearer, then when we ( firft ) be- 

* iieVed. Rom i^.iu But when good impref- 
£ons wear off, and hardly come on again, 
when inward meltings quickly dry up, as 
the mdrning dew ; when the Soul is as it 
were lick of the Staggers ; now goes for- 
ward, and then goes backward, it is far from 
profpering as it ought; 

This is all j I have to fay to the firft Par- 
ticular* that in the firft Rife, and Foundati- 
on of Soul-profperity, as to any poflible evi- 
dencing that fuch a thing is begun, is laid 
in thofe firft principles of Spiritual life,' 
which are received by virtue of our union 
with Chrift ; fd the growth, and progrefs 
thereof confifts in their increafe; and then, 
this increafe, where this thriving is, is uni- 

. verfcl, when growth in one principle 15 ad- 
/tided to another, as when Men add hoxife to 

- houfe, and field to field, they are faid to 
profper in theWorld. Ifa.$.3. So when Faith * 
which is as the natural heat, is added to Re- 

f peritaflce* 



(66] 

pentance, which is as the Radical moifture, 
and the growth of the Cedar is added to 
the growth of the Lilly , then the Soul 
profpers. ... 

I now proceed to the fecond Particular, 
As the Soul profpers, when growth i» gra- 
tious principles is univerfal, h much more, 
when gratious pf iftciples are kept in extr- 
cife. The Scripture Speaks much of this, 
more then, perhaps, is taken notice o£ For 
all thofe commands we have up and d6wn 
in Scripture, to love the Lord, to fear him, 
to believe in the Lord Jefus, do not fo much 
require the firfl: principle, as the adHng and 
exercifing of that principle r As for inftance, 
i $ob* 3. 23. Comniands the exercife of 
Faith and Love. We read of the work of 
Faith, 2 Thef. 1 • 11 . The work, and labour 
of love* tieb. 6. 10. The perfeft work of pa- 
tience, Jaw. 1. 5. Of walking in the fear of 
the Lord, Aft. 9. 3 1. Of walking in love, 
Eph, 5. a. Of walking by faith,- 2 Cer. 5. 7. 
Of living by faith, Gal. 2. 20. Altthefeex* 1 
preffions note, the a&ual exercifes of thefc 
graces, each of them feeing bufied in, arid 
taken «p with their proper work. This is 
of abfolute necteffity unto Soul-ptofoerity- 
Bodily exercife may be fo ufed, as that it 
may be a great means of preferring Bodily* 
health, but this is of far greater life for p(re— ' 
ferving the health of the Soul; for fome-*- 

things 



1*7 J< 

thing etfe, ioffietjtmesv at. Jeaft as to fome 
perfQqs,.m*y *upply fch§want of Bodily ex? 
ercifc, fo as a perfon may dp well enough 

without it : But nothing can faw\y,i for 
the good of the Soul, the /negleft ft .t& 
exerciie of grace. Yea indeed, it is all c*ae> 
as to SoiU-profperity, for. the. time* wJjen. it 
is not exercjfed, as if there were m grace 
in the Soul at all. .We have many fad ihr 
(lances of this, that it hath been fo. : wheo 
.the contrary principles of corruption! have 
choakt, as it were, oppreffed, and beupd up,' 
the gratious principle from ftirrifig, ana 
moving, to make any opposition, to any 
purpoie* Ifa. 64* 6 9 —^our iniquities like the 
.win J, have taken m away. This we fee in 
Pavf/iy without any wrong to the. olemojry 
o£Jqfeph> I fuppofe it may bt faidj that he 
had more grace, then Jofepb had, yet Da-, 
viti not exercifing it, fell (as it is faid of 
SauIyxSam.iAf.') among the undrenmci- 
fed; the Shield of the Mighty, wherewith 
he might have quenched the fiery Darts of 
Satan, was vilely caft away; as if he had ne- 
ver been anointed, with the anointing of 
. fte Spirit jcrf.God ; whereas 3»feph flood like 
a Goncjuerotor in the hour of temptation, 
. when It fame upea him* with fo much vio- 
lence, and advantage. ; Wl&t was the reafari 
of this, but that ftfepb, at that time,- had 
hisLoins girfe his Lamp burning* his grace 

Fi id 



L uo J 

in exercife, as we find. Gen. 39I 9 ? But it 
was not fo, in that fad hour, with David, 
be was flothful, and did not ftir up himfelf 
to refift, but gave place to Satan. In a 
word, Jofeph was awake, and David was 
efleep. Nay, at another time, David was 
overcome, when Saul refilled, . and over- 
came a temptation of the fame kind. Com- 
pare t Sam. 15* xi 9 zi. David refolved to 
revenge himfelf, when he took himfelf to 
fce affronted by Natal; with 1 Sam. 10.17. 
The Children of Belt al laid of Said: How 
fhaU this Man fave us ? And they defpifei 
him, and brought him no prefent ; hut Saul 
held his peace* We fee by this, that the ha- 
ving of much graces avails not to the prof- 
j>erity of the Soul, if it be not exercifed. It 
is, for that prefent, all one to fpeak of, as if 
there were none* It is very obfervable to 
this purpofe, what we haye in three Evan- 
gelifts, concerning Chrifts reproving of his 
Difciples, when they were fo afraid of being 
drowned, Matth. 8* 26, Why are ye fo fear* 
fid, Oye of little Faith f In mark, it is other- 
wife related, c*tf^4. 37, How is it that ye 
have no faith ? Luke s expreflion, chap. 8« xj. 
is in a different way from both : rPbtrc is 
your Faith ? Yet here is no fuch difference, 
but what is eafily reconciled* Th^y had a 
little faith, as it is in Matthew: No faith, as 
it is in Mark. Luke takes up the difference, 

Where 



to] 

Where is your Faith ? Saith he : Their lit- 
tle faith was to feek, when they had need 
of it; therefore their Souls were as much 
out of order, and their fear as great, as if 
their hearts had been full of unbelief all Ch 
ver. 

It is then clearly thus: The Soul pro£ 
pers fo much, and to long only as grace is 
exercifed according as the matter requires* 
This we have exemplified in Gaius, whofe 
Soul profpered, at to high a rate. Truth 
was in him, and he warned in the Truth, 
ver. %. of this Epiftle : In godly fincerity* as 
Taut did, % Cor. i. ix. He walked with 
God as Noah did, Gen. 6. 9. He walked 
humbly with God, as Mich. 6. 8. And all 
that do fo, fhall walk with God in White, 
Rev. 3. 4. ( as doubtlefs Gaius doth now ; ) 
an expreffion that holds forth that uncon- 
ceivable glory, wherewith that Soul fhall, 
one day, be clothed ; yea, and their Bodies 
too, at laft,when made like, unto the glo- 
rious Body of Chrift. PVhen bis Face, did 
jbine, anf hii Raiment wm white as the light, 
Matth. i 7. x r 

3. The Soul profpers, when, in all thefe 
things, it profpers daily. One day jafter 
another; ?nd one day 9s well as pother; 
when mors anc| more is daily done, and 
more and mpre daily received, in the fore- 
mentioned particulars. This Paul could 

4 F 3 fcj\ 



[?*]■ 

iay, i tV. 4. v6r~thougb ear outward fton 
perijh, yet the inward Man is renewed day by 
day. the Bodytrf Man, though it be of as 
healthy a confutation as any in the World ; 
yetit grows but to fuch an age, then it 
comes to a confiftency, (binding at a flay ; 
^dd after it hath done ib a while, ft begins 
»9ecay. Butasitmaybefe ( yetitBiriuld 
be dtfeertyife with a prorberous Soul. Phil, 
s.-iijij, 14, ifit as though ftaJ- already 
Vtaikd, titter wen already oerfiS, ?« ffti- 
bw'-after, if that I way adreiekdthVt, «r 
tftst&alfi lain 'dfprehoitki of tOW. ^jftj, 
Bfe.'lt.was now iy years fince f <IM<s 0»; 
J(iirfion; fottMs't^rftlctothe ■Philif fiats 
(vastaitten the fame year wiffitfjar wrhe 
fybefans 1 ; and boch of rhenv id thar. riffle 
rrrerrtioited, A&sl \a,yi\ tften^j^t dwelt 
?ftvj^i«'|fa/Korne; ** 'hinwn^treZbmJe, 
n^titiinedtfi 'that imtukt ilfa'i '-IHefad 
fceatfoiong a taan in Chrlftjdohq and-fuf- 
fefiU'-ib mucn'rarehrift, and received id 
^chfrbmChcnVyet he is eStceetrtog'hun- 
gfy, ahd Vhirfty'ro 'receive more ( fbiritual- 
ly.jiewas very poor in his own xjpinion ) 
nrat'fo he might do more, yhere'Kie Was 
jailed/' Though perfcOidn (as he v<^lifelewj 
Wis notattairabiein this lift.yet WSkgrS 
it, hoping he might come heaver'to'lti'then 
y'e't , he*as.'[//s«)to after, that' /Mia} Art- 
had. ] Whit * Even that perfection 'which 
' ' t •-'" was, 



[7i ] 

was then wanting. This was a profperous 
$ou1. I fay no more to this, then as pur Sa- 
viour. £ud in another cafe to the Lawyer, 
Luke, io. 37, Go, and dolikemfe. 
. 4. Then the Soul prafpereth, when in cori- 
jun&ion with all thefe, it is more and more 
Rooted .in Chrift. So as notwithstanding 
all our growth in grace, and all our exerciie 
of grace, the life we litre, fo far as it is gra- 
tious ( and it ought to Jbe fo, in all things ) 
is more in Chrift, and from Chrift, and 
what we pcpeft to reaeiye. from Chrift, then 
in, and from our felves,.whcn, we think with 
our felves as the Apoftte laid. Gal z. 2,6, 
tfewertbelefs Hive, yet notJ y but Chrift /* 
Vethinme, and' the life which I now tzvai* 
thefkjfr, I line by the faith of the Son of 
God. Therefore intereft Chrift in all that 
ye do. . Look unto him for affiftance |n 
every thing (Phil. 4. 13* lean do all things* 
through Chrift which Arenpbeneth me. ) and 
for acceptance of all, 1 Pet. x. ?, Te alfo as 
lively Stones ah built up a fpiritnal, hou/e, an 
holy Priefihood to offer up \fpiritual .Sacrifices^ 
acceptable to&od, by Jejus Chrifi. Let us 
go on, thus leaning upon our Beloved. The 
heart of Chrift was much upon this, that ail 
that are in a ftate of Union with him, iliouid 
learn this, and live under the adual consi- 
deration of ]x % foh. 1 5. 4, f 9 Abide in tne> 
and J in you ; as the Branch cannot bear, fruit 

F 4 of 



[7*] 
ofitfelf, except it abide in the Vint ; no morl 
can ye, except ye abide in me. lam the Vine^ 
ye are the Branches ; he that abidetb in me{ 
and I in him, the fame bringetb forth much, 
fruit : for without me, ye can do nothing. 
And the more this is learned, and according- 
ly reduced into pra&ice, the more the Soul 
will profper. It is worth our noting that 
true growth is noted by our growing in 
Chriffc Eph. 4. 1 5, Butfpeakhg the truth in 
love, may grow up into him in aft things, which 
is the Head) even Chrift. 2 Pet. 3. 18, But 
grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our 
Lord, and Saviour fefus Chrift. As if to 
grow in parts, in duties, or any thing elfe, 
without growing in him, were a fweliing, 
rather then a growth. The fwelling of the 
Leg, or Arm, is no good fign that the party 
grows ftronger. It is thus indeed : -whiles 
We are full of our own ftrength, our Souls 
profper not, 1 Sam. 2,9, — r-for by ftrength 
JbaS no Man prevail. Therefore a profper-: 
ing Soul, though it hath, and when it hath 
put on the whole Armour of God, yet it is 
not to truft thereto, but to beftrong in the 
Lord, and in the power of his mighty Eph. 6. 
i o. Certainly, the more deeply this prin* 
eiple is engraven in our hearts, and the more 
we aft according to jit, the better it will be 
with us. He that laboured more abundant, 
)y then they all, that cQuld fey, He had fit 

. . - nifhed 



[73] 
ifbed bis courfef fought the goodjigbt, and 
; eft the faith, was he that dud, Not I> but 
he grace of God that was with me y i Com f« 
o. Happy are thofe Souk, and more hap* 
>y they are like to be, that are fo trained up 
n a continual fenfiblenefs of their own in- 
jfficiency, as to what is fpiritually good* 
hat ftill there is a looking up for more fup- 
lies, that we may exercife what we have, 

*bil. 1. 19, — and the fuf fly of the Spirit of 
x efm Chrifi. What Paul prayed tor the 
r beffalohianS) z Thef. 3. 5, The Lord direfit 
our hearts into the love, of God, and tbe t fa* 
iept waiting for Chrift. i. e. into the exer- 
Ue thereof A Soul that would profper, 
lull pray for it fel£ Yea, and for that 
/hich Paul defired others to pray on his 
ehalf, Epb. 6. 18, 19, P raying alwaies with 
U Prayer, and Supplication,— —that utter- 
"C£ way he given unto me. Paul had alrea- 
ya great gift of utterance, and memory, 
nd had great experience of Gods pretence 
nth him, in the exercife thereof, having 
^reached fo well, and fo long, now twenty 
tve years together, yet defires their pray- 
rs, not only for the continuance of thefe 
jifts,but alfo for the actual exercife of them, 
b often as ever there was occafion of ufing 
hem. And no doubt Paul did pr^y thus 
br himfelf, as often as he was to preach, and 
5 little doubt there is, but that he did his 

work 



[r+] 

work fo touch the better for it, and « 
etebett^fubceFs. 

Thus )»e r havte, what I have to fey, c 
<**«uig eheiwft thing propafcd : What c 
corns the ^tdfpesity of die .Soul in gene 
wneveifl it oonfefts, and when a Man a 
teftfttoipttrper. - 



f ; 



. • • ij 



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v * . r . . 

• '.'j f ■ ■ J • i : „ • o- 



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SE1 



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«. - 1 4 • « k t J \ » i » a . . ■ » • 'L - 

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«... ■ ■ 4 • ■ Hi \ » ■•-., 

■ t ■ f ■ ' f *r '•-.r ■ 

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. , t . , / . -t > ■ : > i . t . . . . , r ■ . ; i 

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i ■ - ■* • * a. A J C .■ • > I . ■ ^ «. « j ij I »'" 

• • .• * .. 

" » « . « • , 

• ■ ■' • ■■* ^•JiS-.iJl'j ■• I ■ .1JJ K: • . 

* "i ' > i" i r *< ■ 

C • I i J . *' « - '- ( . . • • 4 SaV .f « J £* ' 1 - , i ■ J 

r ■ » » t . • 

• ' * iff rv*l " * ' ' * '.* *i - • 

iv.'f "»••.■ 






(753 

i " 

■ g ^ _ _ •* _■ v i. _ _ _ • ^ , '. 

SERMON IV.. 



•\ 



I Now proceed more particularly to de- 
monttrate, that in troth/ im& reality, 
the Soul dorh profper, according to roe 
degree, and meafure, wherein the Soul 
(bounds hi them. , :: '*"j : 

x. The Sod tfrofoers, when it. is -fall of 
Praties to <5odt So kept, Trorir da\ to dUj£ 
jhderthe Law of thatiirfulnc&TOat it '> 
xrands in tbahK%'iving to <fcw: <TW. a. 7; 
Abounding therein with thwkfghring* It : is 
potiftite, fome fray .think otherwife, : that 
:h|s 'is no inch great matter: inrt let tbefe 
following particulars be dudr cordTdercd, 
irifl i hope ye will acknewIcc9^Tt'to be as I 
&y. Comlderthen," 

1. Though it be true, that there are fome 
foleran Sealbns; which call for fblemn Prair- 
ies, when God hath abounded in the exprefc 
fions of his love to us, and Fatherly care for 
us r in fome fpecial favour, bqftowed upon 
itf, giving osto e^erience the truth of what: 
David foand,'3fy2rr 'jjti 7. Jw\tl rejoice, anSj 
le glad in thyntercy y for thou haftvonftderefl 
ihy trohhle, and kmxon rny Soul in adverfity. 



[*] 

Though, I fay, this be true, yet we are uih 
der exprels obligation, to make it part, and 
a great part of our bufinefs every 6gy 9 Heb. 
13. if* By him therefore; .let us offer the ft 
crifice tf Praife to God continually y that is the 
fruit of our lips y giving thanks to bis Name. 
It was Davias refolution to keep his heart 
under the power, and authority or this Law, 
Pfat>$£$. *», Ewn day u>M I lUfs thee; 
an J J HoiU praife thy Name for ever ami 
ever. 

2. Though it be true Iikewife, that there 
be forae days when the Lord calls to mour- 
ning : As Ifa. 22. ix, Yet the (added 
hours, that the allrdifpofing Providence of 
the mod; wife God, brings us into, bring 
nb&fcharge from this duty. Neither need 
we look for it, for thefe two duties are very 
well confident together. Qtherwife, we 
may be fure, that Cod, who gives a coqi? 
mand fajrietirpes to Mourn, would never 
have given us a command alwaies to Re- 
joyce ; if thefe two had' been contrary one 
to another. And befides, even in thofe 
daigs, whep divine Difpcnfations fall for 
mourning, when things go moft crois to 
our defires, and affe&ions, yet we have mat:: 
ter of Thankfgiving ; if it were but for this, 
That it is never fo bad with us, but it might 
be worfe. Paul acknowledged this to bo 
a mercy, tfcat he had lefs caufe of forrow^ 

theq 



[77J 
le might have had, Phil i. %y) For in- 
he was fick nigh unto death $ hut God 
tercf on him, and not on him only, lut 
'aljo, left I fhould haveforrow upon fir- 
Pfal. 1 1 8. 1 8, 19, The Lord hath char 
[ me fore : but he hath not given me 
nnto death. Open to me the gates of 
toufnefs : I will go in to them, and I 
iraife the Lord. This needs not feem 
*e at all, for even then, when the Pro* 
ces of God have very much appearance 
ntradi&ion to the Promifes, and are 
fore moft fadly crofs to our hopes, and 
Nations, a gratious perfon, if his Soul 
er,and be keptin a gratiousframe,may, 
le eye of Faith, forelee the good hand of 
working even then, for good unto him; 
d 9 in one of the faddeft days that ever 
I him, as dark as it was with him, had 
immering of this, x Sam. 16. ix, Let 
lei alone, faid he, let him curfe 9 it may 
)e Lord will look upon mine qfftiftion, and 
requite me good for his curfing me this 
can tell you of one,whofe fpiritual fight 
clear in this matter : One, that when 
jrdings were brought him, that cut deep, 
went near his heart : Well, faith he, I 
go, and blefs God for that good, which, 
ue time, I believe he will work out, 
he heavy burden now laid upon me* 
lid believe there would Honey be found, 

.at 



N 



[78] ] 

at the end of that Rod. Thefc period I 
knew full well, that all things that do be* 
fell the Lords Covenant people, are either 
bleffings in their own nature* or are turned 
into bleffings, in thelflue* Pfal.%.$* 10^ All 
the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth 
mtofuch as keep his Covenant, and bis Tefit 
vrumies. He always hath, and ever will ft 
order all things, as that they fliall all work 
to bring ele&ing love, and glorifying lave 
together. This Jacob experienced. Corn- 
fare Gen. 4Z-36,— Jofeph is not, and Simeon 
is not* and will ye take Benjamin away} 
AH theft things are againfi me> with Gen* 
48. 16, The Anpl which redeemed me from 
all evi/ f blefs the Lads. And David 4id 
hope to find it fo, when bis condition was 
very low, and his fpirit very much funk, 
and fallen, /$rA 41. 11, Why art thou cafi 
down, nty Soul, and why art thou dif quitted, 
within me ? Hope thou in God, for IfhaUytt 
jpraifh him, who is the health of m} countt- 
nance 9 andmy God* 

Thus ye have the firft Particular ; that 
it is our dvity every day. Though, we are 
fometimes called to Mourning, yet we ale 
s always called to Thanfgiving, therefore we 
ought to refolve with David. P&k 34* *• 
I mil blefs the Lord, at all times ;hispraifi 
/ball continually be in my mouth. 

%. When the Soul is always habituaJty 

pre 1 



<, 



E7S>3 
fepared, and, as the matter requires, a* 
ounds in the a&ual performance of this 
luty ; k is in a profperous, and fpkituaily 
hrrring frame. 

This will appear, if we enquire into the 
Attire of Religious Thank%iving. Forthefe 
hree things we ft all find neceflarily required 
otheeflenceofit. - 

(i.) A Cordial acknowledging of God 
lone, as the Supreme caufe, and firft mo* 
Ht in all the good We have, of tfbat kind 
bever it be ; by what hand focver, it is 
ronveyed unto us. This is neceflary, for 
we {hall never pay our Rent to him, whom 
Are do not acknowledge our Landlord. We 
have caufe to fay of every thing, the leaft 
thing we receive, as Pf0t.t1S.13, -This is 
the Lords doing. 

(2.) A real fenfiblenefs that it is the Al- 
mighty geodncis of God, and that alone, 
that fete his alkkfpofing Providence on 
work to give forth any thing, the kaft thing 
unto us, that may be any way ufefol unto 
us: And this, in ^onjundion with an hum- 
Me jfenfe of our own unworthineft, to- live 
in the thoughts of fuch a God, who hath all 
the World to cfcre for, for our good, even 
the leaft gpod. Thus did Jacob, Gen. 31. 
to; lam not worthy of the haft of all the mer^ 
^iy0kd^iMthetrnth % whkh -thou haft 

fime#4nt+ thy Servant. Gen# 35% Sr- 6 ^ 

Children 



C8o] 

Children, which God h*tb gaciwjbj given ttj\ 
Servant* 

(3.) An hearty, and humble refigoatiofl 
of our felves to live unto God, becauie of 
his goodnefs unto us. This is the Law of 
thankfulnefc ; and fo far 9s a thankful heart 
lives under this Law, fo far he mud be able 
to lay, as Paul did, Phil. i.%i % To me to livi, 
isChrifi. 

Thefe thing are eflential to the acceptable 
difchargfc of this duty ; and fo far as Men 
fail in any of them, fo far they come fliort in 
the due performance thereof. And this be- 
ing duly confidered, it is very evident, that 
that work of praifing God, fo as to give him 
the praifes due unto his name (as the expret 
fion is, tfal 29. 2*) is fo humbling, fo mel- 
ting, fo felf-abafing, fo God-exalting ; taking 
all from Self,and giving all to God ; fo heart- 
engaging, and obliging, that it cannot be 
otherwife, but that the Soul doth profper, 
yea exceedingly profper, when it is faithful 
therein. Read 2 Sam. 7. verf. 10* to the 
end : And 1 Chron. 29. from verf. 10. to the 
end of the 19th. And ye fhall find in both 
thofe Chapters, that David's heart was ne- 
ver more after Gods own heart, nor evtf 
. did his Soul more eminently profper, thafl 
at that time* when it was fo warm ia this 

. duty. And this would be farther taken no- 
tice of, that wo never read in all the Scrip- 

turf 



[8i] 

: ( fo far as I can find ) that any, whole 
1 was not at leafl in a capacity of prof- 
ng> whatever they might do formally, 
ever fet themfelves ferioufly about it. 
find Said fometime facrificing, and now. 
then enquiring after God. We read of 
\l humbling himfelf, and walking iri 
i-cloth, but not a word of PraifingGod, 
er by the one, or by the other* Nd 
vel ; for pure need may drive a Man to 
prayers : As Jon. i. 5-, Then the Mart* 

were afraid, and cryed every Man to fiis 
1 But it is pure Grace that makes £ 
1 thankful ( as thankfulnefs hath bceri 
ribed in its Eflentiai. parts ) Formal; 
ikfgivings are common, and with fo'm$ 
re common then formal' prayers .• But 
her the one, nor the" other fignifieahyl 
ig with G6d, Job. 35. 13, Surely i.Go'i 
f not hear vanity , neither wi&thc'&mighr 
-egardiu A mouthful ^ : \pprds, is but 
mouthful worth, no mort with God i then 
outhful of wind It is certain, there is 
more real thankfulnefs, then there is a 

refignation of our felves to God, to five 
o him. 2 Tim. 3. z, Vnthankful^and m- 
' are cbnjoitied. Though ..jtBffi- ttiay be 
tewhat diftinguiihecj, yet jthey are hot 
ided, £pb. 5, 4, Neither -jftthinefs; nor 
i/h talking, nor jejling^ which are not con~ 
lent, fat rather givingof thanks. Ye nwrg 

G to" 



colled from thence, tliat a thankful Soul, is 
a mortified Soul. It is true, we read that 
the Pbarifee began, with, a Lord I thank 
thee,<Luk. 18. u. but he fturribted at the 
Threshold ; for read over all that he £uth to 
the end, and ye will rind that he doth not 
fifrirach praife God, as commend himfftif. 
1 Khali conclude .this with Eph,^. 19, as 
Speaking to your fe Ives in Pfalms,— Giving 
thank f always, for dS thinks to '6W, an J the 
Father, in the name (ffour Lord? Jefus Cbrifl, 
T/ijefe two verfcsfpeak fully to that, which 
I aim'at :" for obferye the connexion between 
ten; and ye will find the Apo.ftle, makes 
giving of thanks always, for all things, an 
rfFeftand evidence' of being filled with thd 
Spirit : Without' iill'doubt, a Sotil'fdll of the 
praifeVof tjOtJjJS'fp far full of the fpiritof 
f5tjd,andfo far begins the work of Heaven 
ripOn .jfiarth. ' Aiit£ therefore it is' without 
aH-cciitrbvferfiej ):bkt a truly thankful Sou], 
rofaf,'arid. fo; Jong', ; i^ \x continues To, is real- 
ty a'pfofperous "Sou!.' ' 
• ; : ^-^hepro^'efybftheSo^.^sitisvery' 
much promoted, fott is, and may be, 'as 
mtich evidenced, by", the right Government, 
anil due ordering'6ft)ur"Alfeir'tbns, of Like 
iTig, and Diflikingi: Of Liking, asLoveJoy, 
Delight, Defirejf ; OrDi/liking, as Fear, Soi> 
row, and Grief,',Anger and Wrath. This is 
a 'large, point : I ihall endeavour t^ereforei' 
""■'■■ : - '■ to 



*> *g ive y° u ^ much as I can, in a little. Cort 
Ider then, 

(i.) Affeftions, efpecially thofe of Likings 
vwo planted in the nature of Man at firft, 
cr be- ta the Soul, is Wings to the Bird* 
vhich make her flight fo eafie : So were 
hcfe, to- make our approaches to God, more 
lehghtfuf> that- it might be as meat and 
[rink to us; to do the Will of out father. 
lad fuck a fweet harmony there was in 
4Jam 9 s- Sevi^whUH he was as God made 
dm ) that he could judge of things as they 1 
were, afieft things as he judged of them* 
nd a& according as he affeded : Being 
nade perfeft after the Image of God, he 
lad all his affections, at command, according 
o the Will of God. 

(i.) By reafon of Original corruption , as 
hofe noble Faculties, the Undemanding; 
NilU and* Confcience ( as I have lately (hew* 
riyou) fo the Affe&ions are moft horri 4 
)ly polluted, and are become fo many flefh- 
:y, and deceitful lulls. They are as anothef 
\ntichrift in the Soul, ruling over Confci- 
mce, which fhould rule all, under God.; For 
is corrupt as they are, every Man, in his <jor* 
ruptcd (late, is led by them, more then he 
is by any thing elfe. For as they Affe£t> 
lb they Judge ; fo they Do, what feems good 
in their own Eyes without confidently any 
xher rule, asjthey did, JuJg. 21,25-. till, at 

G % laftt 



[8 4 ] 

laft* God give them up unto them: As 

Aom. 1,24, Wherefore God gave them up to 

uncle annejsy through the lufls of their own 

hearts, verf. 26, For this caufe, God gave 

them up to vile affections. The cafe of fiich 

is very fad : For as it is one of the greateft 

bleflings, where grace is rewarded with grace. 

As Pfal. 119. 55", 56/ I have remembred thy 

name, Lord, in the night 9 and have kept thy 

law. Tins I had, lecaufe I kept thy precept. 

So this is one of the greateft curies, wnea 

God punifheth fin, with fin, leaving Men 

to do what they will. As Pfal. Si. 1 i> 12, 

But my people would not hearken to mj voice ; 

Ifrael would none of me. So I gave them up f 

unto their own hearts luft y and they walked in 

their own counfels. 

(/j.) Tomortifie the inordinacy ofthefe 
Affections, that they may be fixed upon 
their proper Objefts. So as to Love, what 
they ought to love, and Hate what they 
ought to hate, &c. To keep them fo in or- 
der, that they be not moved, but when 
there iscaufe; and when there is caufe 5 aot 
without meafure* To do this, is one of the 
greateft, and hardeft works, that a Chriftian 
hath to do. It is faid, Gal. 5. 24, And they 
that are Chri(fs have crucified the flefb, with 
the affettions and lufts. i. e. They are about 
it, and make it their daily work, and the 
better fuccefs they have in this work* .the 
ttiotfe their Soul profpers* It 



It is faid Prov. 16. 32, He that is (low to 
anger y is better then the Mighty : and he that 
riiUth his fpirit, then he that taketh a City. 
Vor, he that is never angry ( for the anger 
>f the new Creature is a duty, Eph. 4. 26, 
Be angry y and fin not ) but, he that is flow 
:o anger, is of greater excellency thenhq 
:hat conquers a City. He is more fet by 
in the fight of God, for the ftrength of his 
Soul, whereby he conquers himfelf, then 
svet any Man was, or will be for his Bodily 
ftrength, whereby he conquers others- It 
is more honourable to be a Paul, then an 
Alexander , Prov. 14. 29, He that is flow tq 
wrath) is of great under ft anding : but he that 
is ~hafty of fpirit y exalte th folly. He that is 
flow to wrath, is a Man of underftanding ; 
much refolution being requifite, to keep 
that, or any other affe&ion, efpecially wherj 
it isftirred, within its due bounds, Jam* 3. 
13, Who is a wife Man, and endued with 
knowledge amongst you ? let him /hew out jof 
a good converfation, his words with meeknefs 
of wifdom. And great need there is to exei> 
cife this wifdom, when occafions qrc giv^ri, 
which may kindle that affe&ion, to preferye 
the fpirit, in a meek and qijiet frame. For 
as fan&ified affe&ions are as a gentle wind 
to the Soul, whereby it moves aright to- 
ward God, with a calm, and well-compofed 
jyarmth, in every duty. So unruly afte&in 

G 3 o^ 



[86] 

onsare as a ftorm, a very Hurricane to the 
Soul ; fo as like a River, in a great tempeft, 
the Banks are over-flown, and much mud, 
and dime are left behind. He that can pit- 
vent the rifing of fuch a ftorm, or can fpeedi 
ly allay it, is a Man of underftanding m-» 
deed. 

4. The Soul is then (piritualfy thriving, 
and prosperous, when the inordinacy of the 
affe&ions is mortified, fo as, 

(1.) Every affeftion zSts as a laving grace 
In the Soul, when the affe&ion of Love, is 
renewed by the fpirit of God, into the grace 
of love, and fo fixed upon God in Chrift, 
that other things are refpe&ed only m Fuh 
ordinatibn thereunto : When the affe&ion 
ofFear is renewed into the grace of Fear, 
ib as to keep the heart under an holy awe 
pfGod, as David's was, PfaL 119. i6i,.r- 
Ml heart flandeth in awe of thy word. 9o 

when the affeftion of forrow is renewed in* 
to the grace of forrow ; into that godly for- 
row for fin, which the Apoftle faith, work* 
eth Repentance, 2 Cor. 7. 10. In a word, 
when Love, Joy, and Delight open the heart 
unto God, as unto the chiefeft good ; and 
Fear, Grief and Sorrow, ihut the heart a- 
gainft fin, as the greateft evil. ' 

.{2.) When that which is unmortified ( as 
ftill fomething of the flefh remains in them, 
{yhen they are fan&ifed) is fo farfubdued 

•- * \>y 



£ 87 L 

by that wiji ch. is wrpugtit by the fpirit in 
them, that jthey are kept' In a fuitable ply- 
ableriefs, tb all the Difpenfations of God to 
every Providence, wherewith we are exer- 
ciied ; rejoicing, when he would have us to 
rejoice, and as he would have us to rejoice : 
Mourning, when he calls us to mourning, 
and as he would have us to mourn : Being 
angry, when God would have us to be an- 
gry, and fo far as he would have us to be 
angry : Angry as ChrtftwtiStMar. 3 . ? , And 
when he looked round vhout tt>em with anger* 
leing grieved for the hardnefs. of their hearts. 
When this is the bufinefs the Soul labours in, 
and ftrives to attain- unto, more and more, 
and is really hpmbled before God, when any 
defe£h are ot>ferved, and pardon pleaded, 
and resolutions ihcreafed in the ftrength of 
Chrift, to keep a ftri&er watch for the fu- 
ture, The Soul, at leaft, begins to thrive. 

(3.) When though we let out our affecti- 
ons to this, or that, as fometimes we may 
lawfully do, and in duty ought to do, about 
the things of this life, . and what concerns us 
in our outward condition, yet we can take 
them off again, as the matter requires ; as 
when we are to addrefs our felves to God, 
in any aftofworlhip. This is hard work. 
Mqfes was very angry, as there was caufe, 
Exod ^x*.i9,&c. But it was the morrow 
after, before he prayed for ihjtttt 9 verf. 30.^1 

G 4 >&&.« 



[8.8] , 

Biit when we can do with our affe&ions, as 
'Abraham did with his Servants, Gen. 12. 
Leave them at the foot of the hill, when we 
go to be with God, in the Mount* The 
friore, and oftener, this is done, the more and 
better the Soul profpers. I (hall conclude 
all that I have to fay in this matter, with 
this, which every one of yoii, that have any 
fpiritqal experience, what it is to converter 
with God, will acknowledge : That the Soul 
profpers, according to its Communion with 
God ; and Communion with God, on our 
part is both preferved, maintained, and en- 
joyed, by the well governing and exercifing 
vt fanftified affeftions, of Love, Fear, Joy^ 
and Sorrow, Truft and Deftre. Tliefe are 
the motions 'of the Will, and the outgoings 
of the Heart : As i Thef 2 . 8 , Being dffettiih 
pately deftrous of you, \ve ptere willing to have 
imparted unto you> not the G of pel ofjpod *only x 
'but our own Soul, becaufe ye were, dear unto 
us. They are faid alfo to be the Feet of the 
Soul. Ecclef 5, i, Keep thy foot, whejn thoi^ 
ipefi toihe Houfe of God. i. e. See, that thy 
tieart be fixed, and thy aflfe&ions compofed. 
By thefe, the Soul draws nigh to God in 
Chrift, clofeth with Him, and abides in him 
from day today.' '.And the more it doth fo, 
the more It profpers ;'for God draws nigh 
to fuch, jam. 4. 8, Dratp nigh to God, and hfi 
pi H draw nigh to yon. t And he never comes 

; . •"- v empty 



[893 
empty handed. If the Father go out to meet 
the repenting, returning Prodigal ; the poor 
young Man finds the affcftion of a Father: 
Therefore what S. James fpeaks, of bridling 
the tongue, is true alfo of governing the at- 
fe&ion$ : He is a perfeft Man, he can bridle 
. the whole Body. And after this perfe&ion 
we fhould ftrive, as ever we defire that our 
Souls fhould profper. 

Thus much of the fecond Particular. 

3 • The Soul profpers,when the principles 
of fpiritual life are fo kept in exercife, 
that in times of doubtful expe&ation, we can 
caft upon all events, with an humble refig- 
nation of all into the hands of God, being 
willing to fubmit to his determination, what- 
ever it be. And when the matter is out of 
doubt, fo as the evil which we feared, and 
perhaps worfe, is a&ually upon us, and a 
Sentence of death and defolation is pafled up- 
pn all Creature comforts, we can then find 
reft, and fatisfattion in the exercife of faith 
on the promifes of God. Here two things 
are to be confidered* A little to each of 
them. 

(i.) When in times of doubtful expecta- 
tion, fuch as befides what any one of us may 
be in, with refpeflb to his own particular con- 
dition, we are all of us in, upon apublick 
account, we can caft upon all events, with 
an humble refignation of all into the hands 



ho] 

of God, and with a willing mind fut 

to his determination. Thui it was y 

David, 2 Sam. i $. If ye read the Chaj 

and confider the (lory, yt will acknowl* 

it wis a time of great faddefs : he could 

but be full of fear, of what might be&IM 

God was now reckoning with him fb 

fin ; fo he had feafon to think. His < 

Son, and a great Body of his people wer 

in Arms agaidft him : He was at great 

certainties, what God would do with £ 

He fore caft, what might be, this way, 

that way ; and not being able to forefce 

event, he refers all to God's difpofing ; 

ving all his troubled thoughts, fears, 

doubts with him, verf.z$,z6. If riot fo, i 

thus. If fo, then fo. He is in either 

at a point. Here I am, let him do (fait! 

what befleafetb. This was a Heavert-1 

frame ot Spirit, to be able to perifh, an 

be undone in his otitward condition, if 

would have it fo. Such a iCfan may be 

gated and butchered, fooner then hurt, £ 

ly David's Soul now profpered ; for n 

wq$ his Kingdom more fliaken ; yet r 

was his heart more fixed. It was nc 

with David, at all times, i Sam. 27. 1, 

David [aid In his hearty IJbaB now peri] 

day, ly the hand of Saul — ;Pfal. 73*2, 

as for me, my feet were almojt gone, my, 

bad well-nigh Jlipt. verf, 13, Verily, I 

' c 



[9i] 
cleanfed my heart in vain, and wajbed my 
hands in innocence. He was upon the point 
of repenting, that ever he had repented. 
This is not to be marvelled at, though it be 
to be lamented ; as (if the Lord will ) I may 
jhew in the Application of the point, That 
it is a rare fight, and feldom, or never feeq, 
that any Man's Soul grofperity is always 
alike. Thus much of the firft Particular. 

1. When the matter is out of doubt, and 
as bad, or worfe, then what we 4 feared is 
tome upon us, yet that Soul is in a profpe^ 
rous frame, that can even then, in that dark, 
and fad hour, find fufficient fatisfa&ion io 
the exercife of faith, in the promifes of God, 
as Hab.x. 4, — but the juji jball live by his 
faith. Then, even then, when the fpirits 
of other Men, in the like cafe with him, 
fail and (ink, and even dye within them, 
he is upheld in comfort .• When his faith is 
unto him, like the Cork that is upon the 
Net ; though the Lead on the one fide, fink 
it down, yet the Cork on the other fide, 
keeps it up. When the eye of faith looks 
upward, and fees the hand of the only- wife 
God, in all that befalls him, who makes eve- 
ry thing beautiful in his time ; a righteous 
God, and can do no wrong ; a good God, 
and will do no harm, when faith believes all 
this, that it is but to humble him, and try 
Jijm, and to do him good in the latter end ; 



[9*] 

As Deut. 8. 1 6. And fees love, and faithful- 
nefs in all, and hopes to find, what Davii 
found, and thankfully acknowledged, Pfal 
119.75,1 know that thy judgments are right \ 
and that thou, in faithfulne/s, haft affiiStel 
tne. That in all the trouble that came upon 
him, God was therein faithful to the interefl 
of his Soul, ( a thing} which without much 
difficulty may be obtained of reafon) to bear 
up under all, whilft we are perfwaded," that 
all is done, in love, and faithfulnefc for our 
good. As for inftance, though it troubles 
a Man to be in a Town, and forced to ftay 
there, when it is befieged by a potent Ene- 
my, yet the fame Man can be content, when 
need requires,that his Phyfician Ihould con- 
fine him to his Charaber,becaufe he believes, 
that he doth it out of love and care for his 
health. And furely, thofe Souls, who when 
they are under the iafh of Divine Rods, and 
are tofled with ftorms, and tempefts ( per- 
haps more then any they know of) can thus 
exercife their faith, and find fatisfa£tion in 
the promifes of God, fo as to rejoice in tribu* 
lation, in hope of a good iflue, furely rhey 
are profperous Souls, Thus the Soul of Ha- 
iakkuk prospered, when he exemplified his 
own Po&rihe, That the ju ft fhould live by 
faith, in the time of the Invafion of the Baby* 
Ionian s> by his own praftice, Hah 3. 17, 18, 
Although the Fig-tree /hall not hlojp>m y &c. 

'let 



[93] 

* I will rejoice in the Lord, fwi/Ijcy in the 
odofmy Salvation. It is obfervable, what 
have read to this purpofe (Magdeburg. Cent. 
. cap. 10. ) that when Attila King of th« 
Tuns, came into France, Lupus Biftiop of 
roges, met him, and asked him who he was, 
lat made fuch fpoil, and devaftations in the 
iforld : Heanfwered, Deife ejfe flageffum; 
liat fye was the fcourge of God, whereup- 
n he commanded the City-Gates to be 

* open unto him, and welcomed him with 
tiefe words, Faufie ingrediatur fiagellum Dei 9 
Vhilft the Rod is in Gods hand, there is no 
longer. If this were fo ( as it related by 
;ood Authors) the Mans heart was in a good 
ramc : his faith was above his fears : This 
s the third Particular. 

4. The Soul profpers, when grace is fo 
»xe*cifed, that it grows more and more clear 
n point of Covenant intereft. 

Obferve here, thefe two things. 

( 1 . ) When it grows into fuch a well- 
pounded hope, and comfortable apprehen* 
ion thereof, as, ordinarily, it prevaus over 
fears, and doubts, though it doth not whol- 
ly filence them, nor free the Soul from themJ 
This is that, which the Apoftle calls, The joy 
of Faith, Phil, u z J. Anting from the folid 
latisfa&ion, which the heart receives, by a 
firm adhering to Chrift, in whom all full- 
iiefc dwells, for perfecting the work of Re* 



demption, and Salvation, who is a faithful 
and merciful Hig^Prieft, and able to&vc 
to the uttermolt, -all thofe that come t< 
God by him. tfhis is furely Soul profpe 
rity. 

" . OO Much more when the joy of faitjj 
grows into the joy of (piritual Senfe, whid 
is called, Full joy, Joh. 16. z<f — Ask t a*4j 
jbaB receive 9 that your joy may lefulL i Job 
1. 4> Thefe things write we unto you, that yo* 
jay may he full* When, the love of God i 
med abroad in the heart, as Rom. 5.5. Whei 
the fpirit doth tell us a thing in the Ear(ai 
the expreflfion is x Sam, 9.1 5* It is faid there 
The Lord UU Sancniel inJris Ear. ) that' w 
are fealed tp the day of Redemption, witiarf 
(ing unto us otir Adoption ; fp as the Sqnj 
knows it is, no delufioo, but the very voice 
of the Spirit pf God; as ABraham knew t^at 
it was God himfelf, thatibake to him, aod 
commanded him, to go and facrifice his Son 
and no temptation trora Satan ; fo a» she 
Soul can Jay^ as PfaL 1 x 6. 7, Return t* tfy 
reft, Omy.^uff the Lord hath dealt bounti- 
fully with tb.cjh Now I fee, the inviiibk 
God is my God, All the Greatnefs am 
Goodnefs* all the Truth and Fdthfulns&.al 
the Power and Wiflom, yea .all the Holy 
nefs and Jiiftice of the Eternal and Ever-li 
ving God, are the things which are the por 
tion of my SouL Now I fee that all tb 

Eterna 



Eternal counfels of God, wrought from all 
Eternity, to make me Eternally happy. Now 
I know that Jefus Chrift came from the 
bofom of the Father for me, and my Salva- 
tion. That rpy fins are put upon his ac- 
count; and his righteoyCae|s i? put upon 
mv account. Now I know my place, where 
I jhkjj ftancl, in the great day of the Lord ; 
even! at the right hand of my Saviour, and 
l#ar that joyful fentence^//^. zj. 34,0*1*, 
ye tleffed of my Father. This is, in fome 
fcnter, I thinfe thp uttermoft hight of the 
SoiiSs frofperity. 

For when ever the Soul is thus high, in 
' of Ooipjifort, ft is as high in point of 
15ft. ' Whtfft this continues, the Soul 
caji dp, and fuffer any thins for God, which 
tie cajfc unto. As the believing Hebrews 
whijft they knew tfoir intereft in the en-* 
during fubftanc?> Heh 10. 34 — Te took joy- 
fidfy the fpMing of your Goods, knowing in 
your felves, that ye have in Heaven, a letter y 
and. an enduring fubftame. The heart being 
tijufs enlarged/ it goes not a foot- pace, but 
rqgs the way of Gpds Commandments, Pfal. 

I ipl ix, I mB run the way of thy Command- 
ment$ % when thoujhalt enlarge my heart. That 
which we have Bphef. 3. 1 7, 18, 19, is clear 
to (his piirpofe . The Apoftle prays, on their 
bejtaif, that they might know the breadth, 
and,, length, apd depth, and bighth of the 

love 




[96] 

love of God. And why did he pray to i ft 
was that they might be filled with all the 
fullnefs of God $ according to the uttermoft 
meafure attainable in this life, and in full, 
and ahfolute perfection in the life to come. 

Thus I have given you all that I fhall 
lay, concerning thofe things, which particu- 
larly demonftrate the truth, and reality of 
the Souls profperity : Only I defire to Jeaw 
thefe two things with you, in theconclufioty 
to prevent miitakcs. 

i. That none ought to argue againft 
themfelves, that their Souls do not profper, 
bccaufe, as yet they come (hort, it may hft 
at fortietimes altogether (hort of what hath 
been laid down in this fifth and laft partial* 
lar. They are feldom fo clear in point of their 
Covenant intereft, as to feel the joy of Faith, 
much lefs the joy of Senfe. To endeavour to be 
clear in this matter is every ones dnty.zPetj. 
i o, Wherefore the rather, Brethren, give dilu 
gence to make your calling, and ekttioji Jure. 
To attain it is part of our Reward. But 
when it is riot attained, yet the Soul may 
be thriving, and profpering, for all that 
Mofes his foce did fhme,arid hfe did not 
know it, Ekod. 34. 19. 1rhis tfras at his fe-. 
eond beirig with God in the Mount : We 
read of no fuch thing, it the firft time. We 
may fee by this, that God doth not com- 
bitinicate hirafelf in the fame rtieafure, at all 

timtt 



Ml . 

times alike* to any of his Servants. It h'afli 
been fo of old, and is fo now. Many par* 
take mueh of the quickening prfefencfe of 
God, when they have but little, or none 
at all of the comforting prefence of God, 
Ifa. yo. io, Who is among you, that fear- 
etb the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his 
Servant^ that walketh in darknefs, And hath 
ko light ? &t.4ftnce It is, that thfey often- 
times as fedly complain as Zion did, ( but 
all without caufe.) Ifa. q$. 1 4, But Zion faid 
the Lord hath forfakcti we ; and my Lord 
hath forgotten mei q. d. I am cafi; out of bft 
k>ve,nbt only forfaken, but forgotten : when 
it was neither fa, nor fo, as ye fee, verf. 1 ^ 
Can a Woman for fake her fuck itig Child? &ci 
They may forget ; yet mil I nit forget thie. 

2. Though all that hath been hitherto 
feid, concerning Soukprofperity, are fuch 
things, as are wrought in, and laid up in the 
hidden Man of the heart: yet thefe things 
are in the Soul, as the Candle in the Lan- 
thorny to fltine forth 'in a holy* and blame* 
left cohverfation ; and in the conftant per- 
formance of the vifible part of Religion, and 
that in conjun&ion with others, as oppor- 
tunity is offered. For though frequency 
therekfc doth not infallibly prove, that the 
Sddi ddthf J>rofper ; yet iri the negleft there- 
of, the Soul never did, nor will profper. 
We read f oh. zo.z^z^ What a Very bad 

H fsuoft 



L9* J 
frame dictarow upon the Soul of Thomas, )s$ 
the neglea* of one good meeting. Whethei 
it was out of too much fear, of what mjlchie 
might befall him, from the Council that coo 
demncd his Lord, and Matter ; or from tcx 
much care to fettle his own private concern 
ments, it is hard to determine ; but certak 
it is, that his Soul was thereby brought into 
a fad condition. Therefore, as we ckfiic 
our Souls fhould profper, we ihoujd attopd 
daily at the gates of Wijclam, frov. $, 34 
He that refufeth ivftrttflion, dfijfcifetk bis mm 

Souly Prov. 1 5. 3 1. It is no ea^e matter fc 
a Man to profper in the World, frav. 10*4, 
He fecometb poor, . that deaietb with ajfak 
tyand; So it is here ; therefore ?$ Dm. 4, f , 
Keep thy Soul diligently x left /WjforgC**- 



« mM]| > M I. 1 H I M l W I' l l m u ii "jm i M »» "' 



SER' 



199 J 



•;» ■ «• - 



SERMON V, 



- at " c --- r - •■ * •*-• vV--* - '" 



"fco# proceed to the third drid laft Par- 
ticular .• The reafons for the confirm- 
ing of the truth of the Proportion* 
- i* The firft is this. Soul profperit f 
fo fer all. iii all, both to the profperity of 
ivy Man's outward condition in general; 
1 of the health, and wellfate of the Body 
particular ; that it is abfolutely impoffr- 
, that either the one, or the other Ihould 
ly, arid really profper, bat irt eonjun&i* 
with Souliprolbenty. There afe two 
inches in this reafbft, and if both of them 
made good, then the proportion is fo 
made good : That of all profperity, SW- 
(ferity is the moft defirabU frojperityi 
d it is eafie, to make them both good by 
•ipture. 

(jr.) That thefeis no trueaud real prop 
ity to any Man's otteward condition^ 
thotot Sbutprofpcrity* This is trufc ; yet 
muft be granted that very many whofe 
tils are poor, and blind, and naked, tha£ 
) dead, yea fottitlg iri the lulls of ungod- 
efty do divide the good things ofthk 

H » Worltt 



World among them- Their portion is made ■ 
fat, PfaL 73. ii. Infomuch that the Prophet 
Jeremy was aftojiilhed at it,_jfcc jta.i,— 
Wherefore doth tfa my tftfrc.wi&dtfrcfper i 
Wherefore are all they hajtfly that deal very 
tfeacher6uftf> But thlsis tarTrom true prof- 
perity ; for all this while, as their Perfons, 
lb their Profperity is under the curfe of God, 
Mai i. z,. I voill even fend a curfe upon yn 9 
and I will curfe your llej/ings. That which 
\vas threatened of old, Ite«/.2 8, 1 7. lyes fort, 
and heavy, upon fuchto this day; though 
they neither fee it, nor fear it, nor feel it; 
Cur fed is their Basket ; and turfed is their 
Store. This will be demonftrated more ful- 
ly .under another head, after I have made 
this good, That outward profperity truly 
fo called, and as it is a bleffing, depends 
wholly upon Soul-profperity. And that it 
doth fo, is evident by this, That as all thofe, 
fo only thofe whofe Souls do profper, arc 
within the compafs of the Promife 01 profpc- 
ring in their outward condition. The two 
firft vcrfes of the firft Pfalm give a fair, 
chara&er of a profperingSoul, and the third 
verfe gives the Promife, That whatfoever 
fuch 1 Soul doth ( according to the rule 
of the Law, wherein it defighteth) Ihall 
pfofper, fo far as is confident with Soul-prof- 
jperity. Beyond that the Promife cannot 
^each it, neither doth any truly profperous 
$oul defire it. - .<., Here 



•\ 



-Here note two things, 

(i:) That this was moft eminently made 
*ood in the Old Tcftament: Where under 
:hat dark Difpenfatiort 'of Spiritual Truths, 
md BlefBogs, the promifes ran moft upon 
acternak . The only -wife God, faw it bell 
>f all lo to encourage his then Infant Church 
is I may \ call it ) to their duty. We read in 
Deut. a&. that after God had engaged hiim- 
felf upon ferious minding their Saul profpe- 
*ity, in this, and that, and other particulars, 
[n verf. 8. he engageth for all whatever in 
that kind, could be dcfired ; alluring them, 
that he would command a.bleffing upon 
them, in all . their, Store-houfes, and in all 
that they fliould put their hand unto ; and 
accordingly, this was made good. Whilft 
Solomon .kept the charge or the Lord, all 
things went well with. him. % Chton. 7. 1 1 . 
It is faid, whatever he .took in hand, he prbf- 
peroufly effe&ed. . Thus God always dealt 
with that Nation, while Religion flou- 
rifhed ; and Soul-Work profpered, then all 
things, profpered. Hag-x* 19. God calls up- 
on them there, to ohfejrve,that their outward 
profperity fliould bear date, from that day 
forward, that they began to mind the good 
of their Souls, In the Second of Jpremy % 
God challeflgeth them to produce oneyinr 
ftance, at any time, to the contrary ; but\it 
was more, then they could do. There in 

H 3 •uerf. 



i 



fiox] 

verf. 31. of that Chapter, thus the L 
(peaks unto them : O generation !—+ha 
teen a barren wildernefs unto you? O g< 
ration/ Of what? Nay, th^tis not ext 
fed, but a void fpace is left, that any tt 
might be written of them, that was nauj 
O generation of Vipers, of Monfters, 1 
might have profpered, and would not. \ 
then; thus far it is clear, that Soul-pro 
rity, had the promifes of outward profj 
ty, and under that Difpenfation, eipincr 
piadegood, 

(z.J As it was eminently fo, then, ii 
really fo, now ; even at this day. All t\ 
whofe Souls do pFoiper, as they are H 
of all thofc ancient promifes, fo they h 
promifes foperadded of a later date, 1 7 
4. $.—Godti*efs is profitable unto all thii 
having premife of the Hfe that now /$, ant 
that which is fa come. Matth. $.3^33,2 
Heavenly Father ktioweth that ye h<xve * 
of off tbefe things. But feekyejrrfi the K 
d&m of God) $nd his Righteoufnefs f and 
theft things j/haU be added unto you. J 
fonjetimes as, Frov, xS. io, — the upn 
fhalt have goad things in poffeffiott. A 
ftare of outward btdfings is given u 
them, fuitabte to perlbns of their cooditi 
beyond what, once, they could have exp 
pd, or ? it may be, did defire; fo that tl 
have juft caufe thankfully to ackriowlec 



[to 3 ] 

as David did, that their Cup runs oven 

(3.) When the only wile God, fees it 
good, either to prefer ve their Souls in, or to 
bring them into a more ptdfperous frames 
then they are ; to exercife them with fome 
(traights, and to keep them fhoft, yet even 
then they may fay that which David faith, 
PfaL 2 j. 6. (even then when their Cup is 
low) That die loving kindnefs of God fol- 
lows them, To far, that what they have npt, 
they want not, having learned to want ; be- 
ing fatisfied with that which they have of 
their own, within, Truro. 14. 14, — A goad 
Man fhaB be fatisfied from hhnfelf: Experi- 
encing the workings of the heart of God 
toward them, in his Fatherly care for them, 
remembring them in their low eftate : and 
the workings of their own hearts toward 
God, in that, through grace, they are ena- 
bled to reckon upon it, That Gods allow- 
ance is beft for them • and that by faith, 
they can live upon him for their livelihood, 
when they have little in fight, to live upon. 
So that they can fubfef ibe to what the Apo- 
file faith. 1 Tim. 6. 6. ( as a trte faying, and 
worthy of all . acceptation ) that todlinefs, 
with contentment ; is gr^at gain. Tney have 
the clear gain of a qukft, a&d well-compbfed 
fpirit ; fo that their Souls dwell at eafe, as 
Tfal.z$. 13. And is not this real profjperi- 
ty ? Verily it is fo. Ate not thefe profpe* 

H 4 tw» 



{io 4 l 

rous perfons f Surely they are ib. 

Thus, we fee, the firft branch of the firft 
reafon is confirmed : That the profperity of 
Mens outward condition, in the general, de- 
pends upon Soul-profperity. 

2. The -other branch will be as clearly 
made good, That the health, and wellrfare 
of. the Body, ftands upon the. farpe bottom. 
No Man therein, ever did or ever ft all tru- 
ly, and really profper, but in pnjuri&ioo 
with Soul-profperity. This may feem It 
the firft mentioning, as great a Paradox, as 
the former. Put it is a jufti and meafurcd 
truth, and cannot {Dut be acknowledged to 
be fo, ifwc (CQnfider the flate of . the Bo- 
dy, either in reference to this World, or the 
World to coma 

(i.) In.referencetothis World. Though 
it be true, that many whofe Souls are death- 
ftruck, finfally fick unto death, the fcconfl 
death,' eternal death ; in. refpe£fc qf their 
bodily health,live to a great old a^eon great 
health, icarce knowing, for a long white to- 
gether* what a days ficknefs means : Ksjob t 
•pbferved in his time, 3^21.23, One djeth 
' in his full ftren$th y being wholly at eafe 9 an J 

' quiet ; yet Bodily, health as a bleffipg i$ cer- 
tainly annexed to Soul-profpprity, frov. 3. 
7* ^y i ^ m f ear the Lord, and debari from evil 
.The Soul profpejrs that doth to, and while it 
fjoth fo. And what then ? It hall be health 

to. 



te tfiy ffavel, and marrow to thy Bones. Now, 
according to the flore of marrow, which 
moiftens, and feeds the Bones ; fo is the 
flrength of the Body. And then, it fliall be 
health to thy Navel. This is exprefled,be- 
caufe ( as Phyficians fay ) Bodily health, in 
3 natural way, depends chiefly on the vital 
parts, and entrails ; which arc comprehen- 
ded under the Navel, becaufe there, they are 
Jfnitt up) and fattened. The meaning then 
Is this : Fear the Lord, and depart from evi^ 
and thy. Body fliall be ftrong, and healthy. 
This /Hall be health to all thy flefh, as Prov. 
4. 22, For they are life unto thofe that find 
themy and health to all their flefh. Thus it 
is, and will be, till ficknefs and weaknefc be 
better for the well fare of the Soul ; as it was 
ta Galus , in the Text, whofc Soul profperei 
the better, under his Bodily weaknefs. And 
when ficknefs and weaknels grow upon us, 
the gracious workings of a healthy, and pros- 
perous Soul, are, in fome fenfe, the beft Phy~ 
flck, and the moft cherifliing Cordials, to a 
weak, and languiftiing Body. When the 
Soul can lay, as PfaL 73. 26, My heart, and 
my flefh faileth, but God is the flrength of my 
heart, and my for Hon for ever. Ifa. 3 &. 2, 3 , 
Hezekiah turned his face to th$waff, and pray- 
ed unto the Lor d j and f aid \ Remember now, 
O Lord, Ibefeech thee, how J have walked in 
m truth before thee, and with a per f eft heart 9 

and 



[io6] 

and have done that which is goed in tbyjfgbt* 
U is obfervable what ye may read in the 
Book of Martyrs, concerning Mr, Sounder t % 
that whilft he was in examination, befott 
the Bifhop of London, he felt a moft ravish- 
ing fweetnefc from every part of his Body, 
come together to the place, and feat of tat 
heart ; and from thence, it did ebb andffatr, 
to and fro, to every part of his body, to his 
marvellous consolation. This he told to oat 
of his friends* 

Thus far this branch of the reafon is made 
good, That the health and wellfare of the 
Body, as it is a bleffing, may be expe&d; 
and cannot othcrwife be expetted, then in 
conjun&ion with Soul profperity, What- 
ever Men think of it, this is true : Tfat 
though Nature be an enemy to Grace, Jtt 
Grace* efpccially thriving, and profpering, is 
a friend, the beft friend to Nature. 

(z.) In reference to the World to come, 
the well-being of the Body, to all Eternity, 
depends abfolutcly upon the well-being of 
the Soul, That feres, as the Soul farts, ff 
the Soul perHb, and be undone, the Body is 
undone, and perifheth tpo. We read JLuk. 
1 6. a 4, 2 5. that when the Soul of the rich 
Man was in MelL not the leaft refreshment 
could be had for his Body, not a drop of wa- 
ter to cool his Tongue. Therefore as 5W 
2 7.8, He bath no hope (fall that be bath gain- 

ed % 



[*o 7 ] 

f</, when God taketb away his Soul. But if 
the Soid profpers, while it is in the Body 
fas it doth when it doth lay up its treafure in 
Heaven, and hath its converfation in Heaven) 
then the Body when it is laid in the Grave, 
as it is {till a Member of Chrift, death doth 
not difiblve that union, It fletps in Jefus, 
i Tbef. 4. 14. And by virtue of that union, 
it {hall be raifed up, and made like the glori- 
ous Body of Chrift. 

Thus ye have the firft reafon made good, 
in both the branches of it, that Soul profpe- 
rity is fo far all in all, &c. 

%. Of all prosperities, Soul-profperity is 
the mod deferable profperrty, becaufe it is 
made up of the moft defirable materials. 
Thofe goods whereofit confifteth are the beft 
things, the moft defirable bleffings. It's 
true, die materials whereof Worldly pros- 
perity confifts are good things too. We 
read, Luk f % 6. that the rich Man's purple 
Garments, and fine Linnen, which were his 
every-days«wearing, and his fumptuous fare 
wherewith his Table was farniflbed every 
day, and his great eftate which maintained 
all this, were good things in therafelves (and 
might have been good to him, if he had ufed 
them well.) So tjiey are laid to be, verf.%$. 
But what are tljete things to the principles 
of Spiritual life, thriving and increafing in 
$he Soul i Verify, great heaps of Gold, and 



A 



[108] 

Silver, arcibut great heaps ofDuft, and Dirt, I £ 
to the lead grain of grace: The price of it A , 
far ahove rubies, Jobz8. iSi The Apoftkl^ 
fpeaking of one particular grace, the grace! 
of Faith (one of thefe chcife materials which p 
make up foul profperity) faith,That the Trial Ijjj 
of it (when it is exercifed) is much more 1 
pretious then Gold, i Pet.i.j- No marvel 
then, if Solomon ( who knew the worth of 
every thing, as much as ever any Man did) 
faith of it, That the Merchandize thereof it 
Better then Silver, and the gain thereof the* 
fine Gold. But of the excellency of the ma- 
terials of Soul-profperity , I need fay no more 
then what hath been faid in the explication 
of the point ; only I (hall Ihewyou &iitde> 
"of that exceeding much, which the Scrip-, 
ture fpeaks of the materials of Worldly prof 
perity, by way of undervaluing them, toa- 
bate the sfteem of them, and, if poflible, to 
.fceat down their price. 

In Ecdefi. i. ye find Solomon the King, 

to be Solomon the Preaqhe): ; and as he had 

.a large heart, fo he to6k; a large Text to 

Preach uppp; no lefs then the whole World, 

with all its* honours, profits, and pleafurcs, 

which r^ife up Wprkjly profperity to the 

higheft Pinacle, that is imaginable : And 

..(which. is exceeding bbfery able ) after he 

' had throughly ftudied his Text, and taken ds 

cxaft a furvey of it, as unwearied diligence 

in 



:*t 



arching, joy ned with incomparable wi£ 
l, could attain unto, he could, with all 
skill, raife but this one Do&rine, That 
s vanity, vanity of vanities ; extreme va- 
r all over. This was all he could make 
ill the fine things, that the World, in its 
t drefc, ( fo far as he could fee ) did afford. 
d as he faith by way of queftion, Ecclef. 
tx 9 What can that Man do, that cometh 
?r the King ?. after fuch a King ? If any 
in will try whether lie may have better 
cefc, then Solomon had, I Ihall tell him 
lat he ihall find. This he (hall find, and 
him make his bed of it. 
(i.) That whatever reality he thinks 
at he finds, he will, after a while, find to 
. flight, and fuperficial : That they only 
eafe the carnal, and fenfual part. This 
as all their predeeetfbr found, Luk. 12. 1 9, 
mil fay to my Soul; Soul, thou haft much 
>ods laid up for many years y eat 9 drink, and 
? merry. Neither will they do this always, 
it a little disappointment ( the pride and 
ifiionofhis own heart mingling with it,) 
oth for the time, while the fit lafteth, em- 
itter all, as Efth. 5. 1 3 , Tet all this availeth 
\e nothing, fo long a* I fee Mordechai the 
evo fitting in the Kings gate. 

(x.) That even in this, whatever he finds, 
fiords no lading fatisfa&ion, Ecclef. 1. 8, 
ill things are full of Jaiour, Man cannot ut* 

tcr 



[no] 

ter it. The eye is notfatisfied with fteim 
The eye may be fatisfied, and wearied with 
the A& of feeing, but the luft of the eye is 
not fatisfied. The eye lees this, and that, 
more then once, he thought he fhould em 
have feen, which he could have called fas 
own : but yet dill the eye would fee mom 
And it cannot be otherwife ; for all that onl 
be feen, is too little for a Man* heart. They 
may be a belly full, Pfal 17. 14. but the} 
cannot be a heart full. Thar is no propaf 
tion, between the heart, and them ; aod 
therefore there can be no fatisfa£hon. So 
fides, They cannot fatisfie, becaufb they ate 
always found to be lefc in thdEnjoyment>thcd 
in the expeftation : Gebazi found than Jty 
% King. 5. 26. He thought of purchasing f 
great Farm, and of flocking it himfelf; km 
he found an evil difeafe cleaving to hlmfeif; 
and to his pofterity ; and that for raoro 
years, then his Farm fhould be either in his 
or in their pofTeflioiv And Yet farther ho 
will find, that they cannot fatisfie f becaufe 
as they increafe ; fo the heart is piore and 
more let out unto them- And impofSblo 
it is, for that defire ever to be fatisfied, wfakt) 
grows, by the increafe of the thing dcfireA 
And yet more, fay an earthly, narrow Soul 
may fay, he is fatisfied* yet Men may chdofc 
whether they will believe him or na How* 
ever, this he will find, that though what he 

hath 



Cm] 

hath, may raife his efteem in the World, 
yet no real worth is added unto him there- 
by. It is well, if they do not make him 
worfe. The valuation of Gold is raifecf 
fbmetimes from twenty, to twenty four, or 
twenty five (hillings, yet the piece is the 
jfcme dill. Dan. n. xi. And in his eftate, 
fball Hand up a vile perfon. Prov. io. zo, — 
The heart of the wicked is little worth. What 
therefore, if the Man St. James fpeaJks of, 
Comes in, with a Gold-ring, if that be his 
beft, wherein is he to be eiteemed t Many 
things more might be faid to this purpofe, 
but this is enough to fliew, that in relpe& 
even of the choiceft materials thereof. World* 
ly profperity is no way defirable, in compa* 
rifon of Soul-profperity. If that be all a 
Mao hath to rejoice in, he rejoiceth in a 
thiogof noyght, Amos 6. 13. It may be laid 
of all fiich, as Pfal. 39 .6. They walk in a vain 
(hew, and furely difquiet themfelves in vain, 
heaping up riches (which are accounted, the 
chiefeft materials of Worldly profperity ) 
when he knows not who fhall gather them, 
9 wife paaiu or a fool. For any Man then 
to prejudice his SouKprofperity, in the pur* 
iiut of thefe things, contra&s that guilt 
charged upon them, fom x. 8, They follow 
lying vanities, and forfake their own mercies* 

3. A third reafon is this. Of all profpe- 
rity, Sw^jtfQfperity is the mpft dcfirahle 

prof* 



[II*] 

profperity, becaufe the effefts, dtid confe- 
quents thereof, are the beft, and fboft de- 
firable effe&s ; far beyond the effe&s of 
Worldly profperity^ feparated from Soul- 
profperity : For then they are both,fad,& fin- 
liil. It is feen to be fo,in refpeft of the effe&s 
thereof, in this World, and it would be. fdtmd 
to be fo, for the future, in the World to come 
(i.) In this World: Thereby, the wict 
ednefs that is in the heart appears ; half 
whereof would not have been lb manifeft, if 
they had not profpered fo much in the World 
It proves but fuel for their lulls ; drawing 
out multiplied a&s of fin, which is charged 
upon them, Jam. 2.7, Do not they ( rich Men) 
blafpheme that worthy name by which ye art 
called > Riches beget pride,Z*& 16.19. ^fc* 
was a certain rich Man> which was clothed in ♦ 
Purple, and fine Linnen 9 and fared fumptunf 
ly every day. Pride begets calling on tnift 
in God, 1 Tim. 6. 1 7, Charge them that art 
rich in this World that they be not high mind* 
ed, nor trufi in uncertain riches, but in tbf 
living God. Carnal boafting,with contempt 
of others, Jer. 9.23 ,- — Let not the rich Man' 
glory in his riches. Carnal confidence, Pfak 
6z. 1 o, — If riches increaje f jet not your heart 
upon them. Oppreffion, Jam. 2. 6, Da not 
rich Men opprefs you > Thefe are fome of 
thofe evil fruits, which a profperods (late 
produccth, when Mens lulls are not fubdrf- 

ed, 



L*i3J 
td, and mortifyed by Soul-proiperity. Med 
>eing charged to take heed of them, that 
hews their ptonenels to them. So that if th6 
\ngels were called to give fuch an acctotfnt, 
is. they were, Zeck i. 10,1 t. doubtlefs they 
iVould give this account, that they never 
Dbferved more notorious neglect of What is 
>f fcverlafting concernment, never more la- 
bouring the things ofthefledx, never morfe 
prodigious Riot in fome, neVer more fordid 
Earthlinels in others ; the Earth they tread 
upon getting fo into their hearts, that they 
ire more Earthy then the Earth it felf. Such 
an account of thefe, arid fuch like abomina- 
tions, the Angels wduld give, that they ne- 
per law more of thefe impieties, then among 
thofe thdt profper in the World, Wfrofe 
Worldly profperity is fe£af ated from Soul- 
profperity. This is their way, as is faid, 
PfaL 49. 13. and this is their folly. Thefe 
arc thfe effe&s of it, that ar6 feen in this 
World; Not that all thefe fad effcfts are leeri 
in every One, but fome iri orie, and foflie ift 
another. - . - 

(x.) The eflfefts will be found to be as facf 
in the' World to come. It is a lad fight to 
fee Men undo themfelveg with their own 
mercies, as Bees that are drowned in their 
own^Honfey :' but fo it is, Prov. 1. 3 i,-~Tbc 
profperity of Fools fbaU defiroy them. i.e. with 

eveflafting deftru&ion from the prefence of 



the Lord. It is evident from Scripture, that 
but few {hall be faved* Matth. xz. 14, May 
are called but few are chofen. And it is as evi- 
dent, that but few of thofe few, will be 
found among the rich, and profperous, 1 Cor. 
I. x6, Far ye fee your catting, Bretbren^that 
not many wife Men after the flefh, not maty 
Mighty f not many Noble are called Yea, it 

is yet more evident, that the Spirit of God 
fpeaks in the Scripture, as if Salvation had 
been almoft impropriated to the meaner fort 
of people ; and that thole who profper in 
the World, bad been almoft excluded. Jam. 

4. 5^ — hath not God chofen the poor of this 
World, rich in faith % and Heifs of the Kim* 
dcm, which he hath promifed tp them that 

ioye him. 1 he Church is called the Corir 
gregation of the poor, Tfal 74. jj>. Such as 
were of the lower rapk, deftituterof World- 
ly advantages. But for the; rich, and prof- 
jperous, fee Luk. <$, 24, 25, fVo unto yon that 
are rich y for ye have receive d^o^r tonfolatum. 
Wo unto you, that are fylUfor yejfiall hunger. 
Wo unto you that laugh now, for ye Jbaff mourn, 
and weep. Jam. y. i. Go to nop^ye rich Men, 
weep and howl, for the miferie$ that Jhallccm 

upon ym. The Apoftle fpeaks not by way 
of advice and counfel, to prevent their judg- 
ment ty g°^ly farrow- The exereife of 
that grace it not exprefled by howling ;\but 
Jhe freaks by way of tte eat'ning;* and de- 
noun- 



ributicing Wrath, and vengeance.' Thef 
had their good things in this life : theif 
picture upon Earth, verf 5*. Rev. 1 8. 7; By 
ho* nikcbfbe glorified he rje If, and lived de- 
licumfyi fo much torment , and for row give her* 
Yet this is riot to be underftoftd, as if God 
would tondemn the rich, becaufe they were 
rich* no ittote then he wift fave the poor 
for their poverty : But he will condemn 
the rich' tor their fm^ and favfc the poo£ 
for their faith, arid piety; through Jefua 
Chrift; 

Much more might be faid* to fheW that 
Worldly profperity feparated from Soul-pro- 
fperity, is by no means, a profperity to be 
defired. It is but Eternal mifery at a little 
diftanoe : Much lefs is it to be compared 
with Sttufctjrofperity. This ye may judge 
by thtife ene&s of ir, which are feen to be 
to, in thisWorld ; and will be found to be fo 
in the World to come; 

(*.) But now if we confider the Efft&s* 
ana Coiifequerits of Soul- profperity, we fliall 
find, they are every way mod defiraWe, 
Whether we confider the effefts thereof for 
the prefent, in this life; or for the future, iri' 
the life to come. 

(1.) Iri this life. When the Sorfprofper- 
cth, and the divine well-fare thereof is kepf* 
in its heavenly temper, by divine influences 
from aibove ; theri there is fuch a glory and 

I i beauty 



beauty in it, as is much fct by, in the fight 
of God, Pfal. 45. 1 1 ;- tio fkaU the King greet I) 
Jefire thy beauty. It is a lovely fight to fee 
any thing grow, fo as to thrive, and prof 
per ; Corn on the ground , Cattel in the field, 
Fruit on the tree. Children in the houfe, 
growing up as Olive Plants about the Tabic 
But the growth, and profperity of the Soul 
is much more lovely. Indeed there is much 
fpiritual beauty and lovelinefs in. the. very 
firft principles of fpiritual life, wherein, (as 
I have ihewed you ) the firft Foundation of 
Soul-profperity, as to our difcereing it, is 
laid. Thefe are much of the feme nature, 
and bear the fame name with that perfeS 
flate of happinefs, which is enjoy'd in He* 
ven. As that is called. Glory, fo are thefe. 
x Cor. 3.18, But we all with open face, behol 
Jingj as in a glafs, the glory of the Lord y are 
changed into the fame image, from glory to glo- 
ry, even as hy the fpirit of the Lord. And 
if fo ; then where ail thefe lovely principles 
thrive and profper, the fpirit of glory refts 
upon fuch a Soul, as 1 Pet. 4. 14, This is 
Jo ; but that which I fliall fpecially inftance 
in, as raoft comprchenfive of the blefled ef- 
fects of Soul-profperity in this life, is that 
fwect peace within, and heavenly ferenity 
of fpirit, which a profperous Soul, fQ long as 
it doth profper, may, and ( if it know its own 
happinefs) ufually doth enjoy. 
1 i: Much 



[H7] 
•u Much fweet peace, becaufe of that 
fvreet agreement which there is between a 
Man's Confidence, and Himfelf. Confcience 
we know, if enlightened, prefleth to duty ;. 
which, if negle&ed in its feafon, will wound 
and ftiogv A profperous Soul is more afraid 
of this, tnen to be threat'ned with a fiery. 
Furnace, Daft. 3.13. That did not affright 
them at all ; but a Man may fay as Job 27. 
6, My righieoufnefs I hold f aft, and will not 
let it go : My heart Jhallnot reproach me fa 
long as Hive. He was not afraid of thofe 
rebukings, and upbraid ings. Now, when 
grace is kept in exercife, as it is in a profpe^ 
rous Soul, this keeps peace, and that wnen 
troubles, and tryals come upon us, as an ar- 
med Man. zCor.i. 12, Our rejoicing is in 
this, the teftimony of our Confcience, that in 
fimplicity, and godly fincerity, not with fiejhly 
voifdom, but by the grace of God, we have bad 
our converfation in the World. This eviden- 
ced the profperity of his Soul, and that w T as 
his rejoicing. That prayer of the Apoftle 
for others, Gal. 6.16. was heard for himfelf. 
As many as walk according to this rule^ peace, 
be on them, and mercy. 

(2.) Much fweet peace ; becaufe there 
is a fweet agreement, between a Man's af-1 
feftion, and his condition. A profperous 
Soul living, and defiring to live in the en- 
joyment ot God, is where it would be.; ancfc 

I 3 £ 



i$ willing to be, what God will have . him 
to be, in the darkeft hours tha| befall him, 
Rejoicing in hope of the glory of Go J, Rom. J. 
*• This fubdues his affeftion to his condi- 
tion ; when his condition otherwife would 
not be according to his afle&ion. Being 
plear in the point, of his interefl in God, he 
cart fay, how barren foever his condition be 
of outward copiforts^ The Lord is my porti- 
on : I have a goodly heritage^ P&l. 16. y, 6. 
Making God his Heaven, and his Earth too, 

(3.) A fweet peace * becaufe a fweet a- 

freemcnt between a Man's Hope and hi$ 
.eafon- When the foundation of Soul-prof- 
perity is fir ft laic?; being quick'ned with 
principles of fpirifual life, it is born again to 
It lively hope of the heavenly inheritance* 
I Pet. i. 3,4. And when the Soul profpers, 
Recording to the knowledge it hath of its 
pwti ftate, it is able to give a reafon of its 
hope, as the expreijjon is, 1 Pet. $. i$. A 
feifon grounded upon the free promife of 
God, Rom. 2.7. If ye continue in well doing: 
gnd nothing is well done, where grace is not 
exercifed. Buf if it be fo, ye look for glory 
and immortality, and eternal life. Then 
following aftpf fighteoufnefs, holinefs,&c 
Eternal life is as it were within reach; we 
oiay lay hold on it, 1 Tim. 6. 12. Thus Paul 
had reafon on his fide, 2 Tim.d. 7,8. A good 



fight well managed, a good courfe well fini- 
shed, a good faith well preferved. Hence- 
forth is laid up for me a Crown of rigbteonjF- 
nefs: Not becaufeofthls, butbecaufe of the 
free promife of God ; for though a Man's 
Soul profper to his dying day, yet eternal 
life is the gift of God, Rowan* 6. 23. Rev. 
z. 10. 

( a. ) Much fweet peace : Becaufe there 
will be a fweet agreement between a ]\&ns 
Refolutions, and his Performances; both in 
refpe& of Doing, and Suffering the Will of 
God. 

(1.) In doing what God requires. The 
principles of fpiritual life, the firft day they 
are received, fo incline the heart heaven- 
ward, that fuch refolutions are taken up, as 
TfaU 39.1 , Ifaid 9 I will take heed to my ways. 
Now, when grace is not exercifed, and the 
Soul profpers not, then there is no keeping 
up this resolution, good purpofes are broken 
on. That divine principle which fhould 
keep the heart from back-Hidings is kept un- 
der, and opprefled by the contrary working 
of corruption. Such a Soul deals with God, 
as that Son did with his Father, to whom, 
he promifed, to go,but went not. But now, 
fo far as the Soul profpers, Performances 
will be anfwerable to Refolutions. See 
Paufs refolution, Aft.x4.16, ^nd herein f 
do J exercife myfelfto have always a Confci- 

I 4 ClKt 



» 



fnce void of offence toward Go J } qnd towar, 
Men. Heb. 13. 1 8, Fray for us ; for we tru)> 
we have a good Conference, in all things wil 
ling to live honefily. And fee his perfor- 
mance, Phil. 4. ix, I know how to be abafed % 
and I know how to abound. It mud needs be 
fo ; for the more the Soul profpereth, every 
work of Religion will be the better perfor* 
med, with more delight, with lefs weary- 
nefs ; with more conftancy, and lefs deflra- 
&ion. 

(2.) Sweet peace ; becaufe of fweet agree* 
ment between a Mans refolutions, and his 
performances in refpeft of fuffering what 
bod impofeth, and inflifteth ; whether up- 
on a Man's own perfonal account, or upon 
the common account of Religion ; when the 
firft principles of Soul-profpenty are infofecj, 
the Soul is inclined to comply with Chrifb 
injunftion, Luk. 9. 23, If am Man will come 
after me, let him deny himfelfy and take up his 
Crofs daily, and follow we. And the more 
the Soul profpereth, the more the Will is 
melted down, into the Will of God, to fuffer 
what God will) arid that in fubmiflion to his 
Will, jPfal. 399, / was dumb, I opened not 
my mouth, becaufe thou didfi it. ' Or upon the 
common account of Religion. Heb. 11. 3 5-, 
—others were tortured^ not accepting delive- 
rance, that they might obtain a better refur- 

reftion. Know then, that all unquiet work- 



ipgs in our Spirits, and all Unking difcou- 
ragcments, in fuch a day, and hour of try-' 
al, come not from our condition, how fed 
foever it be, or in how great danger foeverj 
we may apprehend our felves to be, of lofing 
all we have ; as from our Corruption, be- 
caufc our Souls profper no more. It is ob- 
fervable, what we have to this purpofe, in 
Matth. 5, Bleffed ( faith our Saviour) are the 
poor in Jpirit,vzx\. 3. The meek, the mour- 
ners, the pure in heart, and thofe that hun- 
ger and thirft after righteoufnefs, in the fol- 
lowing verfes. And then, verf. 10, Bleffed 
are they that are perfecuted y for ri$teeufhefs 
fake. And why is this put ii> the laft place, 
but to ihew unto us, that now the Soul 
profpers ? There is poverty of fpirit : there 
is purity of heart ; there is meeknefs, and 
hungring and thirfting after righteoufhefe; 
Now fuffering in thefe, is fuch as becomes a 
Chriftian. This is enough to prove this, 
That the more the Soul profpers, there will 
be the more peace, became the more agree- 
ment betwixt a Mans Refolution, and Per- 
formance , both in refpeft of Aftive and 
Paflive obedience. A profpering Soul makes 
this his bufinefs, To rnagnifie Chrift, whether 
it be by life, or by death, Phil. 1. ao. 

(5*.) There is much fweet peace inaprot 
pering Soul, becaufe of that fweet agreement 
which there is between God, and fuch a Soul ; 

which* 



[ill] 

which, if it be felt, oafleth all underftatti 
iog,PbiL 4. 7. and therefore, all exprdfion. 
But poflibly, this Peace may not be proclai- 
med, fo as every profpering Soul may hear 
it, and believe it, rather often doubting, that 
it is not concluded. But for certain it is, 
and in due time God will let them know 
kiPfaLSs.S, I will bear, what 60 J the Lor J 
will /peak, for be witifpeak peace to his Peo- 
ple, and to bis Saints. Ana it is as certain, 
inch Souls are at peace with God, for then 
they follow hard after God, as Pfal. 63. 8. 
deuring nothing more then reconciliation 
with him ; their eyes dropping down tears, 
IS Lam. 1 . 1 6, — iecaufe the Comforter, which 
JbonlJ relieve my Soul is far from me. Btef- 
fedarefucb mourners, for they fballbe comfor* 
fed, Matth, $* 4. 

Thus we have fome of the defirablc effefts 
of Soul profperity, in this life. 

(2.) For the effefts, and confequents of 
Soukprofperity for the future, in reference 
I o the World to come, thus in a word ; it 
hath a moft blefled influence into Eternity ; 
'Then Soul-profperity is jperfe&ed in holy- 

nefs, Heb. 12. 23, The Spirits of jufi 

Mien made perfeft. Ephe£ 5. 27, WithouK 
fpoty or wrinkle. And perfe&ed 1 in happy- 
nefs, in the full enjoyment of God. It 
fees God fo far, as feeing imports enjoy- 
ing ; Then it may be laid without a. fi- 
gure 



1^3) 
pre to fuch a Soul, as If a. 661 1, Arife 9 ani 
bine, thy light is come, the gkry if the lard 
s rijen *po* thte. , 

Thus ye have the reafon* of the point? 



« M % i \mam*mm+4&*i*i—40*m**tmmmm* 



S E R 



•mm 



SERMON VI. 




Vfe. i. TfT ^is be (o,That of all pro/peril 

Soul-profperity, is the nwft 
fir able profperity. Then ft 
■■>" "^ hence, we may infer: That 

is the mod rational thing in the Wo 
for all thofe, that believe they have imm 
tal Souls, \n mortal Bodies, to. mind . 
well-fare, and profperity of their Souls. 
bove all things elfe in the World. Th 
certainly to aft, according to the bed, 
higheft principles of reafon, that ever 
Man did from the beginning of the W< 
to this day. 

JtQMy.be fuppofed, by what ye I 
bgWftllho ye are now fully fatisfied in 
truth of the Doftrine, and believe that 
thing profpereth in your hand, with pre 
rity truly fo called, and as it is a blefling, 
•when, and where the Soul profpereth ; tt 
fore none to be minded like that, none 
in fubordination to that. And feeing 
a principle planted by the God of Nai 
fertile heart of Man by Nature, to n 
that above all things elfe, wherein he f 



elieves his happinefs, above all things,* 
\ confift. And withal, feeing to Prof- 
and to be happy, though the words be 
, are but one and the fame thing : And 
ye are perfwaded, a Man is only fo far 
ly happy, as his Soul profpers : Thefe 
gs being fo, one would think, I might 
ear to prefsany thing farther, and might 
concerning this duty of minding Soul- 
fperity, as the Apoftle doth of Brotherly 
>, i Thef, 4. 9. ye need not that I fliould 
te any more concerning it. 
lut confidering what a deep, inward, 
ted refpe&for, and reaching after the 
igs of the World, there appears to be 
Dme, who yet profefs, they are folly con- 
ced of the vanity thereof, and fuch a 
mg byafs in others, turning them afide 
d ways that are not good : So far it may- 
charged upon them, as Rom. i. 18. They 
d the truth ( they believe) in uftrighte- 
nefs ; not fuffering it to exercife its au- 
ity in their Confcienccs : And feeing it 
b difficult a thing, yea impoflibte, with- 
: the" Almighty power of theSpirit ofGbd, 
raife up a drofly , earthy fpirit, funk into 
1 world, to look after things that are not 
n ; to mortifie the deeds of the flefh,»and to 
their affe&ions on things that are above ; 
to fix a vain,light fpirit,fo as to reduce it, 
afober and v ferious confideration of the 

things 



[iz6j 

things of Eternity; and yet both the one, 
and the other rauft he done by all thotejthat 
refolve to mind the profperity of their Souls 
above all other profperity. I (hall to whit 
hath been laid already, ( before I come to 
(hew the great work that is to be done foe 
the welfare of Souls) firft give you fome Ar- 
guments to prove the Inference, That if Seal 
Profperity^ le the moft de fir aide Profperity, 
Then is it the moft rational thing in the mrli, 
to mind it ahove all things elfe. 

(i.) It is a rational thing (ye muft all 
grant it)for any man to part with any thing, 
except the Peace of his own Confidence, and 
todo any thing that ispoffible to be done, 
except (inning againil God, for the preferv* 
tion of natural lite. It is a Scripture expre£ 
fion, trov* 6 ;x6. that Life ispretiom. It it 
indeed the moft pretious thing in Nature* 
Matth. 6. 2 ;. Is not the life more than meat / 
Ail. 27. They cad away the Lading of the 
Ship, in hope to lave their lives, Eftb. 7. i$ 
3, 4, Let my life be given me at my fetitim 
For we areJold f Iand my people to be aeftroyeJ $ 
to be flain,andto perifo. If we bad beenfildfor 
Bond-men, and for Bond-women, I had held my 
tpngue.Stc how (he pleaded for her lift f lie vat 
lued not the one half of 127 Provinces, is 
companion of that. And we read of a pooc 
tyoman, that had fpent all that fhe had, id 
hope of health, which is a degree below life 

Mar. f , 



"A, 



LI27J 

Mar. ?. Now if it fhould be asked, as Jam* 
4. 1 4. What is this life, that is fo much va- 
lued ? we mud: anfwer, as he doth, That it 
is a vapour which appear eth for a very little 
time, and then vanifheth away. The frailty 
whereof is fet forth by heaps of fimilitudes 
in Scripture, from the moft periihing thing? 
that come under obfervation. It is but a 
little warm breath, turned in, and out at 
our noftrils, a narrow paflage, and fooit 
ftopt, ffa.z.zz. Ceafefrom Man* vohofe breath 
is in his noftrils > ana wherein is he to he ac- 
counted of > 

Now if it be fo agreeable to reafon, by 
all lawful means to ferve the Providence of 
God, for the prefervation of fuch poor, and 
frail things as our lives are $ ( as indeed we 
are bound in obedience to God's command ) 
Is it not much more rational, to do what- 
ever God would have us to do, for the life 
and well-fare, of our immortal Souls ? Cer- 
tainly if Nature teach a Man to prize his life 
above the World, Grace fhould make a Man 
to prize his Soul above his Life. Believe it, 
To fave our Lives, and to fave our Soul% 
are two things* This we find in Scripture^ 
that thofe who have learned to value their 
Souls, according to their excellency, and 
have underftood how much their own hap- 
; jrinds is concerned in them, have willingly 
ran tbe hazard of their lives, to fave their 

Souls, 



[128] 

Souls, not only as Paul, i Cor. 9. xy] 
unJer my Body, and bring it into fubj 
left that hy any means y when I have pn 
to other s y I my felf fhould be a c aft- away 
sifo as they, Revel, ix. n, — they lov 
fbeir lives unto the death. They di 
fo love their lives, as out of inordinat 
*to preferve them, and fo to efcape 1 
when God called them, by their opei 
feffion to give in their teftimony for C 
and his Gofpel, againft the Anti-Chi 
Generation. So Dan. 3.19, &c. The 
TVitnefles chofe rather to be thrown ini 
.fiery Furnace, then t<5 worfliip, the G 
Image. Heb. 1 i . 3 5-, Other s were tor 
not accepting . deliverance. Yea fo c 
^aveforhebf the Saints of old, beeno: 
Bodies, in comparifon of their care fc 
well-fare, of their Souis, as if they hac 
other folks Bodies, and hot their owri. 
/ead dftfo that When the fentence of 
waspafled upon Stephen, he prays n 
"the mitigation of his Enemies rage, he 
tally filent concerning his burial. ( It': 
there were fome godd Wien took care 
'jiff, fo %• but hot at his iritreaty th; 
read of) but thdt'whid^ his thoughts 
moft taken up h withal, ye read verf. 5§f 
ftoned Steven, calling Upoti Xjod, and j 
JLordJefus receive my Spirit. $0 the: 
Jefiis left his Body in the hands tfPih 



[iz 9 ] 

hfe commended his Spirit into his Father's 
hands, Luk. ±3 . 46. It is obfervable, what we 
have Pfal 141. 7, 8. when fome of David's 
followers, were hackt, and hewed in pieces, 
and left unburied, or £ is fome think ) when 
their dead Bodies, alter they were buried, 
Were digged up, and their bones wefe fcat- 
tered about the Grave's mouth : When Da- 
vid faw, or heard of this, fee what he had 
rhoft in his thoughts : Lord, leave not my 
Soul deft it ate. 

Thus ye have one argument to make 
good the Inference : That it i$ the m'oft ra- 
tional thing in the World, to mind the w r ell-' 
fire of our Souls, above all things elfe, be- 
taufe it is very rational, above all outward 
things, to mind the prefervation of our lives; 
And that though it be fo, thofe that have 
been wife to' Salvation, have rtfindedthe la- 
ving of their Souls, above the faving of thdir 
Lives, there being indeed no companion be- 
tween this Natural life, and the SpiritCial life 
cf the Soul 

(x.) It is every way moft rational, agrees 
able to the beft, and higheft principles of 
rfeafon, to mind that moft,which JefusChrift 
£ in whom" dwelt all the Tf eafures of Wi£ 
dorri ) minded moft. This none will deny; 
fcfut that as it is the higheft pitch of our 
Uolinefs, that our Ends in all things fall id 
Ttfithhfc: So it ought to beourgreateft bu- 

" K ftosfc 



finefs, that in all things we lhould be of the J 
fame mind with Chrift. Now that this 1 
was, and dill is the greateft work that Je- 1 
fus Chrift did, and ftiil doth mind in our be- 1 
half, will appear by thefe particulars. | 

i . This was the great work, next to the I 
glorifying of his Father ( and therein he did I 
glorine his Father ) that was in his heart to J 
accomplifh ; in, and by that myfterious 
work of his Incarnation, in taking upon him 
Man s nature, and for which he made him- 
felf of no reputation in the World ; for which 
he fuflered fo much, and ftill doth fo much 
by his irtterceffion in Heaven, to this day, 
that ( as Ifa. 53, 1 1.) he might fee the Tra- 
vel of his own Soul, and be fatisfied in the 
complete, and Eternal profperity, of all their 
Souls, which God the Father gave unto him, 
and for which he engaged himfelf. John 6. 
3 8, 3 9, 40, For I came down from Heaven, 
not to do my own will, but the mil of him that 
fent me. And this is the Fathers will which 
fent me, that of all which he hath given me, 
I [bould lofe nothings hut Jhould raije it up 
again, at the lafi day. In 1 Pet. z.zf* Chrift 
is faid to be the Shepherd of Souls. Nov^ 
faithful Shepherd, though he will be ready\ 
to do his Mafter, what good fervice he cao, 
in any thing ; yet his chiefeft care is for his 
Matter's flock. Such a faithful Shepherd is 
Jefus Chrift, he highly minds the raeaneft 

thing, 



thing, wherein any of his are concerned.* 
Satan ( to his own great vexation ) cannot 
overlook this, Job i # 10, Hafl thou not made 
an hedge about him^ and about his houfe^ and 
about all that he hath, on every fide ? And 
We know, that when he was vifibly in the 
World, he was exceeding helpful to the Bo- 
dies of Men, yet his chiefeft care was over 
his peculiar flock, as the Shepherd of Souls. 
He laid down his Natural life, to procure 
their Spiritual life : That dead Souls might 
live, and living Souls profper. vThat they 
might have life, and live in abundance. Joh 
10. 10, ii. For this end he ever lives to 
make interceflion for thofe that come unto 
him, that they might be faved to the utter- 
moll, Hehy. zj. And as the effeft of his 
interceflion (according to his promife,jfak 
1 6. 1 6.) he fends the Spirit of Grace into 
their hearts, to work in them all the gra- 
ces, that accompany Salvation. And to 
abide in them, to preferve what he hath 
wrought, that in believing,their Souls might 
be faved, Heb. 10.39. And that they might 
receive the end of their Faith, the Salvation 
<$f their Souls, 1 Pet. 1.9. 

This is the firft thing, that Jefus Chrift 
minded this mod, in our behalf, that for this 
caufe he came into the World, to feek, and to 
lave loll Souls, Luk. 19.10. 

OO This is the great end, he aims to car- 
it z ry 



L *D~ J 

ry on by all his Ordinances. The Law of. 
God ( that is the whole Do&rine revealed 
in the word) is for the Converfion of Souls, 
Pfal. 19. 7. And for Edification of Souls, 
Aft. 20. 32. I commend you to GocJ, and 
to the word of his grace, which is able to 
build you up. The Sacraments are Spiritual 
Food for Souls. 1 Cor. 10.3,4, And did all 
eat the fame Spiritual meat. And did all 
drink the fame Spiritual drink. l Yea, Ex- 
communication ( that dreadful Ordinance, 
fo it be managed according ,to the mind of 
Chrift ) for it is a delivering a Man to Satan, 
yet it is with reference to the good of his 
Soul, 1 Cor. 5. j. To deliver fuch a one unto 
Sat an f for the deflruliion of the flejb, that 
the Spirit may he faved in the day of^the 
Lordjefus. For this end, he appointed the 
Miniftry to be a Handing Ordinance unto 
the end of the World, that they might watch 
over Souls, Heb. 13.17. This was that which 
the Apoflles aimed at, according to their 
Commiffion from Chrift. Paul faith, that 
he was made all things to all Men ; that by all 
means , he might five fome\ 1 Con 9.22,. In 
his removal from one place to another, he 
aimed at the conveying of fome Spiritual 
|ift, where ever he came, for the good of 
iouls, Rom. 1. 11, For I long tofeeyou, that 
I may impart to you, fome Spiritual gift. In 

all his prayers, for thofe to whom he wiflied 

all 



£i33l 
all the good that might be, this was the 
great thing he defired in their behalf, that 
their Souls might profper, Eph. 3.14,15', 
I 6, 17, That he would grant you, according 
to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened 
with mighty by his Spirit, in the inner Man* 
That Chrift may dwell in your hearts by Faith, 
&c. Gal. 6i 18, The grace of our Lord Jefus 
Chrift be with your Spirit. Profpering Souls 
were his joy, and Crown, Phil. 4.1. 

3. This was, and is the great end of all 
his Providential Dilpenfations. They are, 
or may be, all them, either Food, or Phyfick 
for the Soul. Thriving in holinefs, as ye 
have heard, is Soul- thriving. Now this is. 
the end, that all comforting, defirable Pro- 
vidences feem to drive on, Obad. verf. 1 7.: 
But upon Mount Zion, there JhaU be deliver- 
ance^ and there fkall be holinefs. All afflict- 
ing, faddening Providences, are for the fame 
purpofe, Heb. 12. 10, God chafteneth as for 
our profit, that we might be partakers of hi 
holinefs. Yea for this very caufe, it often 
goes very ill with many of thofe that live 
highly in the love of God, in their outward 
condition, that their fpiritual condition may 1 
profper, and flourifh, If a. 27. 9, By thte 
therefore Jhall the iniquity of Jacob be pur* 
ged, and this is all the fruit, to take awaji 
his fin : Which is the licknefs, and other- 
wife would be the death of the Soul, and its 

K 3 ta&t*QoL: 



[i34] 
deftru&ion, Pfal. 1 1 9 . 7 1 , It is good for m> 
that I have been ajflitted j9 that I might learn 
thy Statutes. And therefore he acknow- 
ledge th to the praife of the wifdom, ?nd 
rich grace of God, that in very faithfulnds 
to the intcreft of his Soul, the hand of the 
Lord had been upon him, fo as it was. 

Now lay all this together ; That this was 
" the great end of Chriit's Incarnation, Death, 
and Suffering, and Interceflion : The great 
end for which all Ordinances, and Provi- 
dences are appointed to be fubfervient unto, 
and it will evidently appear, that this was, 
and is, above all things elfe, moft upon the 
heart of Chrift, in our behalf, that our Soyls 
might profper ; therefore it ought to be 
mod upon our hearts, and it is moft rational, 
it fliould be (6. 

3 /It is every way moft agreeable to the 
beft, and higheft principles of reafon, with 
all poflible diligence, and ferioufnefs to mind 
that, the negleft whereof, will be our utter 
undoing, to all Eternity, and bring both Bo- 
dy, and Soul under the mod ablblute, and 
unavoidable wo, and mifery, that ever be- 
fell, or poflibly can befall any Creature, that 
ever God made, next unto the Devil him- 
fclf. That principle of felf-prefervation 
planted in the heart of Man by Nature; if 
improved, cannot but teach him this ; That 
it is moft rational for him to mind that, the 

negleft 



1*35] 
negleft whereof would bring this mine up- 
on him. Now what wo, and mifery is laid 
up for a negle&ed, periling, unprofpering 
Soul, ye have fully expreffed, beyond what 
can be conceived* in one verfe, Matth.%$. 
41. whereof I (hall mention butthefe two 
particulars,which are of all others,moft dread- 
ful, and terrible. 

(1.) Such a Soul is defigned to be driven 
away from God ; with his curfe upon them, 
Never to fee his face, To be Eternally fepa- 
rated from thofe everlafting joys, which 
Souls that live and profper, in a moft abfo- 
lute fullnefs do enjoy, in the enjoyment of 
God, whilft the everlafting God enjoys his 
own blefled felf. If this were all, the mife- 
ry were unfpeakable : It isfaid,^#. 20.37, 
38. that when Paul took his leave of his 
friends at Ephefus ; it was a very lad part- 
ting ; They all wept very fore, fell upon Paul*.* 
neck, and krjfed him^ forrowing htoft of all, 
for the words, which he /pake unto them, that 
they fhould fee his face no wore. If this were 
lixch an heart-breaking unto them, it muft 
needs be impoffible for any, that ever tailed, 
in any mealure, how gracious the Lord is, 
to bear fo much as a thought of never fee- 
ing f of never enjoying God more. Ye know, 
for a Man to lofe his fight were very lad, 
though he fhould have no pain in his eyes, 
Solomon laith, Ecclef 7. 11. Truly light is 

K 4 V*}<BS*> 



[136] 1 

fw.et, and it is a pleafant thing to behold 
the Sun : So that a Man would lcar.ce think, 
that the greateft Worldly prosperity were 
enpugh to repair that lols. What tjieq 
would this blind per fon think of his condi- 
tion ,if befides the lofs of his fight, one fliould 
fland by, and continually be dropping fcald r 
ing Lead into his eyes ? Yet fo it is here. 
For, 

(2.) A loft, unprpfperous Soul is not on- 
ly defigned to be thus driven away from 
God, but it is defigned to the fame mifery. 
and the fame torment with the £>evils ; and 
this they can neither efcape, nor endure. 
None can anfwer that queftion, EzeL 22. 
14, Can thine heart endure, or thine hands 
hefirong, in the day when I flail deal ivith 
thee ? No, it cannot. For who knoweth the 
power of thine anger : even according to thy 
fear, fo is thy ivrathj Pfal. 90. 11. None is 
able to exprefs, yea nor to conceive, what 
a dreadful thing it is, to be buried, as it were, 
alive, under the Tomb-done of the infinite 
wrath of the ever-living God, H:.l. 10. \u 
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of 
the living God, Rev. 6. i$ t 16, 17, — -They 
fhall hide themfelves in the Dens^ and in the 
. Rocks of the Mountains. And fay to the Moun- 
tains, and Rocks r fill on us } and hide Us from 
the face of him that fitteth on the throne, and 
from the wrath of the Lamb. For thereat 



[*37l 

lay of his wrath is come, and who fhallle aile 
l o ft and ? This is that which Eye hath notj 
een, nor Ear heard, nor can poffibly enter 
nto the heart of Man to conceive. Ye find 
ip and down in the Scripture, that what- 
:ver is moft terrible to fenfe, is made ufe of. 
o exprefs the terribjenefs of it, and yet; 
omes far fliort of it. Let but this one ar- 
gument fink into your hearts, and be, if but 
>nce a week, ferioufly thought on, and pof- 
ibly, this alone may convince you of the 
ruth of what I fay. That it is the moft ra- 
ional thing in the World, for all thofe who 
>elieve they have immortal Souls, in mortal 
3odys, to mind the well-fare, and profperi- 
y of their Souls, aboye all things elfe in the 
World. 

4. Let me add one argument more. It 
s the moft rational thing in the World, for 
pvery Man ferioufly to mind that* which 
above all things elfe, beft anfivers Cod s 
^reat end in giving him his Being, and with 
it, all that is needful for fupport, together 
with more underftanding then the Beafts of 
the field .- And if ye ask, what this is ? ye 
have an anfwer, Prov. 1 6. 4, God made all 
things for himfelf: For the glorifying of his 
own blefled name. Rom. 11, For of him, and 
throng him, and to him, are all things : To 
whom be glory for ever, Amen. Now as nor 
Man dishonours God, but in doing that 

whicl\ 



m tf.. 
1^ 



['3» J 

which tends to the ruine and deftru&ion of 
his own Soul. So no Man doth any thing, 
or poflibly can do any thing, which really 
tends to the will-fare of his own Soul, but 
therein he alfo glorifies God. For inftance, 
To live in the exercife of Repentance ; con- 
fefling, and humbling our Souls in the fight 
of God, for our daily failings. To live in 
the exercife of Faith, applying our fel ves to 
Jeflis Chrift, as interceding, in our behalf for 
grace, and mercy, fuitable to our daily ne- 
ceffities, reding upon his truth, and faith- 
fulnefs in his promises, notwithstanding all 
difficulties appearing in the way ofaccom- 
plifhmcnt : Walking in the fear of the Lord, 
and fruitfulnefs in every good work : Thefe 
are all great fartherers of Soulrprofperity, 
Jojb. 7. 19, My Son y give glory to God, and 
wake confejfion to him. Revel. 16. 9, — They 
repented not, to give glory to God. Rom. 4* 
I9,xo, — but was Jlrong in faith^ giving glo- 
ry to God. Ifa. 8. 13, Santtifie the Lord of 
Hojls himfelf and let him he your fear, and 
let him be your dread. Joh. 1 5*. 8, Herein is 
my Father glorified 9 that ye bear much fruit. 
This is as certain, as that Jefus Chrift glori- 
fied his JFather, in finilhing the work of Re- 
demption, and Salvation, for loft finners. 
^oh.17. 4. 

* Thus ye have the Inference made good. ?' 
Vfe. x. Ifthisbefo, That Soul profperity 

is 



I 



[i39] 

ie moft defirable profperity ; and that 
i therefore ( as ye have heard ) the moft 
onal thing in the World/ to mind it, a- 
r e all tilings elfe. Then be perfwaded 
the Prophet If a. advifeth, ch. 46. 8.) 
remember this, bring it again to mind, re- 
>e upon it j and jhew your [elves to be Men ; 
t aft according to principles of reafon, 
I not Brutes. Let that link into your 
tits, which ye may read, Hof. 1 1.4. The 
rd there aggravates their unworthy deal- 
; wfth him by this, That though he knew 
ir averfnefs to what he had required of 
:m, yet he had not drawn them to their 
ty, by violence, as unruly Bullocks to the 
ak, but in a way Angularly obliging, fuit- 
e to rational Creatures, He had drawn 
jmwith the Cords of a Man, with argu- 
rntsfrom his bounty, and goodnefs^hich 
all others, carry the higheft grounds of 
tfon with them, why GoSlMhould be obey- 
This, 1 iaYfeihould tj^fbt-ioufly conil- 



red, that refiaxing ori&w fefoes, and 
ding that God deals thus%ij:h us, draws 
with the Cords of a Man> in an argu- 
sntative way to perfwade us *to this 
eat duty •* O then let us b&^erfwa- 
d to (lir up our felves with me .utter- 
oft bent of our endeavours, frojji this day 
rward, to mind it as the great bufinels of 
ir lives, and pray ( as Gen. 9^7. ) that 



i 



[*49] 

God would enlarge our hearts, and fill them 
with defires, and rcfolutions about this mat- 
ter, and diligently hearken to the counfei, 
which God, in his word, prefcribes you in 
this great affair* 

To make way to acquaint you with what 
that is , I muft mind you a little of that 
which was more largely fpoken unto, when 
wc firlt entred upon the explication of the 
point. Two things were then endeavoured 
to be cleared unto you. 

i. Wherein the profperity of the Soul 
confifteth, and when it may be faid to prof 
per. I told you then, that the profperity 
thereof is to be confidered both in its firft 
rife, and foundation ; Or in its growth* and 
progrefs. As to the firft rife of it, it was 
proved, that if we look upwards, we fhall 
find it begin in God's Eternal, Electing love, 
which is without beginning.. But if we 
look inwardly , fo as to dilcern it*m our 
felves, The firil foundation pfc it isiaidifl 
thatda^ and hour £jb<M& tne very day 
and hour haf b>*I think, not been difcerned 
by many, though perhaps by fome.) But 
however difcerned, or not difcerned, in that 
day and hour, it begins, when by the word 
ofChrift, and by the Spirit ofChrift, the 
whole Man, both Soul and Body is brought 
into a (late of Union with Chrift. For then 
the Spul receives the firft Seeds of Heaven? 

born 



L*4iJ 
orn principles of Spiritual life, and then be- 
;ins to be in a capacity of profpering. 

2>. As the firfl foundation is laid in thefe 
principles : So the growth and progreis 
hereof confifts in their increafe. As they 
ncreafe, fo the profperity of the Soul increa- 
bth. So that if ye give up your felves to 
>e guided by right reafon, your work for 
he iubftance of it, is firft to fee that your 
Jouls are Spiritually alive. Andfecondly, 
:hat they thrive and profper in that where- 
n they live. 

In reference to the former of them, I have 
:wo things to fey, 

. (i.) To all, and every one of you* that 
pou would fet fome time apart, ferioufly to 
debate the HJftter, between God, and your 
felves alone,-and none dfe with you : whe- , 
ther ever ye felt the day of God's power up- 
on you^Ajtifs, to prevail fo far upon you. 
As, |^ %, &* 

i. l(p caft ^fet down from the good opi- • . 
nien, which ye ffljl of your felves, by a tho- 
rough convi&ion*pf the woful mi$ake 
wherein ye were, atjput the ftate of fmr 
Souls. That ye thqjght them alive, when 
they were ( as now^e fee ) dead in fin, 
pleafing your felves with the Religion of «■ 
your Education, as Paul did beforq his. Gon-.> 
verfon. That ye thought, v yc had good* 
hearts toward God, .whereas rtowrycfce^at ■ 



"J . '.in 

( as Pfal 5. 9. ) your inward parts were ve- 
ry wickednefe. That whereas ye thought 
not of any danger ye were in of the wrath 
to come, now ye fee, ye are condemned by 
a holy, and righteous Law. And that,what 
by reafon of your A&ual fins, and what by 
reafon of your Original fin, ye utterly dc* 
fpair of Salvation in that (late wherein ye 
pleafed your felves, and fee clearly that out- - 
ward Reformation will not ferve your turn, 
but ye muft be inwardly changed into the 
Image of God, and be born again by the 
Spirit of God, elfeye can never enter into 
the Kingdom of Heaven. This is fuch a c* 
fting down, as Paul experienced when he 
faid, Sin revived, and I died, Rom* 7.9. 

2. Whether, befides this calling down, ye 
have alfo experienced the day of God s pow- 
er, fo far to prevail upon you, as to raiie up 
your hearts, to a willing, and heajty accep- 
tance of Chrift, to all intents and purpofe, 
in order to Salvation. To kill, and dfeftroy 
that enmity which you find in your hearts, 
againft the ways of God, fo as to bring you 
into a (late of Reconciliation with God, and' 
to all the means of conformity to him, and 
Communion with hifh, to impute unto you 
the merits of Chrift's death, for a foil and 
free difcharge from the guilt of all your fiflV 
and to impute unto you his Righteoufhdv . 
that ye may be accepted as righteous, unto 1 , 1 



L*43J 

Eternal life. To mortifie all your corrupti- 
ons, to quicken your dead hearts, with the 
principles of Spiritual life ; thofe principles 
of true holinels, without which, ye know, 
ye (hall never fee God ; with a fincere refb- 
lution, in his flrength to wait upon him, 
and keep his way. That he would do all 
this for you, and work all this in you ; and 
that ye are humbled for defeats in living 
no more upon him, that he might be all this 
unto you* Verily, fo far as any perfon caa 
really aflert this, that thus he hath been caft 
down, and thus he hath been, and is railed 
up ; though he may fometimes be in the 
dark, as to the fafety of his eftate for Eter- 
nity ; he hath good Scripture ground ( tho 
he may not fee it ) to believe that he is cal- 
led into fellowfhip with Chrift, i Cor. i* 9. 
And that his Soul begins to live, and is in a 
capacity of profpering: For when the Soul 
( it may be, after a long ihutting up under 
unbelief) thus opens to Chrift, then Chrift 
comes into the Soul, as Rev.$.zo. And when, 
he comes, he brings the principles of Spiri- 
tual life with him, 1 Joh. $.iz,He that hath 
the Son, hath Life. 

This is the firft Particular. A word to 
all 

z. I have a word to fome, to thofe I mean, 

that know nothing, as yet, what either this 

calling down, or ufting up, mean;. And it 



h: 



t'443 

is a word of advice, That as ever they de- 
fire their Souls fhould live, and be in a ca- 
pacity of profpering, that they would break 
off, from all their dead works, arid refolve, 
for this end, that they may bd thus caft 
down, and lifted up, To le fvoift to bear, as 
Jam. 1. 19. And to attend unto the words 
of this lite, fo as it is faid to be, Job. 5. 20. 
The word, whereby dead Souls are quicken- 
ed, Job. 5 25, — the dead /ball hear the iloict 
of the Sen of God, and they tbqt hear fhall live. 
And that in order hereunto, ye would take 
the right way of working what ye hear up- 
on your hearts ; thus, or to this purpofe, 
reafon the cafe with your felves. 

(1.) Soul-profpcrity, lam now convin- 
ced, is the moft defirable profperity : And if 
my Soul profper not, all the fooner, pofiibly, 
it may never profper, for, this night, it may 
be taken from me. And if it do not prof- 
per, nothing will profper with me, fo as to 
turn to good, whilft I live : and when I am 
dead, I (hall be one of the moft woful, arid 
miferable Creatures, to all Eternity, that 
ever God made, next to the Devils. 

(2.) If my Soul be, as I have reafon to be 
dfraid it is, ftill in its unregenerate ftate, 
then it is fpiritually dead in fin ; and while 
it continues fo, it is in no more capacity of 
profpering, then a dead Tree, while it con- 
tinues dead, is in a capacity of bringing forth 

ripe 



l*4SJ 
Kpe fruit. This I now clearly fee*; though 
I did not fo much as think on it before. 

(3.) If I do not fo receive Jefus Chrift, as 
that Jefus Chrift may receive me, into a ftate 
pf Union with himfelf, my Soul can never 
live, for fo I hear from, 1 Joh. 5. n. He that 
bath not the Son, hath not life. 

(4.) If I Would fo receive Jefus Chrift, as 
that he may receive me, into Union with 
himfelf, and I receive life from him, I muft 
fo receive the word 5 as to be fo caft down, 
and fo lifted up, as I have heard. , Therefore* 
by his help, I refolve for this end to hear, yea 
as I am commanded, Ifa; $ j. 3, diligently to 
hear, to hearken, and to incline mine Ear ; 
And to make application to my felf,» of what 
may be for my calling down, arid for my lit 
ting up ; that j according to the promije, lit 
that Text, my Soul may live. 

This Jo, and Live. 



.^" 



» \ 



* ■. ■. 



L 



S E R-- 



LM U J 



SERMON VII. 




Aving fpokcn fomething to the 

firft Particular : That every one 

ought to fee it, who defircs that 

his Soul ftiould profper, that he 

be Spiritually alive. 

- I now proceed to the fecond, wherein two 
things are to obferved : That if indeed ye 
are fpiritually alive, then to fee to it. 

i. That your Spiritual life be lively, and 
proiper. 

- a. That when it begins to be better, than 
it hath been with you, in the inward Man 
then to take heed that ye lofe not the things 
ye have wrought, x Ep. ofjoh. verf. 8. 

I fhall enter upon the former of thefe, at 
prefcnt; 

, . i. To fee to it, that your Spiritual life be 
lively, and profper ; for therein the profpe- 
rity of your Souls confifts. And, becaufe 
every thing almoft, that I have to (peak un- 
to, in handling this great, and neceuary Do* 
r £kine^ needs much enforcement, becaufe 
much negle&ed, I Ihall, before I come to the 
Dire&ions, fpeak fomething, by way of af 




I1MI 



t-'-- 



[147 J 

gument, to heighten your endeavours here^ 
in. 

Corrfider then. 

(i.) A Soul, that is alive to God, though 
burdened with a weak, Confumptive Body, 
and with a confiderable fullnefs of outward 
bletfings ( both which* many times, are great 
difed vantages ) yet may profper. We lee it 
exemplified in Gaius ; He was but of a weak; 
and crafie Conftitution, that's implyed in 
the Text And he was withal, a Man of 
ibme Eftate, in the World : That's implyed 
verf. 6. Which have lorn toitnefs cf thy cha- 
rity, before the Church. Yet neither the 
one, nor the other hindered, but that his 
Soul did profper. It was as John faid ; tor 
doubtlefs John was as far from giving flatter- 
ing titles, as Elihu faid, he was, Job 32.22. 

(i.) Our Souls ought to be as dear unto 
us, as the Soul of Gaius was to him. If Gah 
us made Religion his bufinefs, minting, 
above all .things, that one thing which is ne- 
ceflary. If he kept his heart above all keep- 
ing, So that neither Corruption from with- 
in, nor Temptation from without, could 
let his Salvation- work backward. If be laid 
•up his treafure in Heaven> valuing both the 
bed things, and the word things of the 
■ World, as fomething, or as nothing unto 
bind, farther then as they might be impro- 
' 1r6d to promote the Eternal, well-fare of his 

L z Soul* 



[i48] 
.Soul. All which) without doubt, in a great 
meafure he did, and more then all this too; 
other wife, he had never received this tefti- 
mony from fuch a Man, as John was ; which, 
to his honour, hath ftood upon Record, 
thefe 1 600 years, and ihall do to. the end 
of the World. For as our Saviour faid of 
Mary, Matth. z6. 13. So wherever this Epi- 
flle fliall be read in the whole World, this 
that Gaius did, fliall be told, for a memori- 
al of him, That his Soul did profper. There- 
fore, as our Saviour faith, Luk. 10. We ought 
to go, and do likewife. For he was un- 
der no more obligation to do what he did, 
then we are: And our Souls ought to be as 
dear to us, as his was to him. 

3. There is not one word to be found to 
the contrary in all the Scripture, but that 
how fliort ioever, we come of this pattern, 
at prefent, yet if we fet our felves to do, as 
he did, pur Souls may profper as much, as 
ever his did. Jefus Chrift, we are fure, caa 
make them profper, Job. 10. 10, — lam come 
that they wight have, life, and that they might 
have it more abundantly, x Cor. y. 8. For ye : 
know the grace of our Lord Jefus Chrifjt, that 1 
though he were rich, yet for our fakes he be* 
came poor, that we by his poverty might- be 
made rich. Eph. 3. 20, — He is able to do ex* 
ceeding abundant ly y above all that we as t y or 
thinks according to the pqgftr, that worketh m 

us. 



[*49] 

us. Neither, ( which \ is much to be obfer- 
ved ) doth he fpeak of his abfolute power ; 
by which he is able to do more, then lie 
will do, but of his Ordinary working pow- 
er, for fo it is, in the latter end of the verfc. 
£ According to his power that worketh in us. ] 
So that we may conclude, that he hath not 
out-a&ed the greatnefs of his power, in, or 
for the profpenng of any Man's Soul ; but 
he can work as much again, for another. 
Eph./\. 10, He that defended, is the fame 
aifo that dfcended up^ far above aU Heavens, 
that he might Jf/t all things. As he filled up 
the whole work of hisTMediatorfhip^which 
was to be done upon Earth : So he afcended 

" up to Heaven, to fulfil what remains, and 
that is, for ever to fill even all the living 
members, of his myftical Body with the 
Principles of Spiritual life, fo that every one 
fhall receive according to his meafijre, Epb. 
4. 7, But unto every of us is given grace, accar- 

\ciaing to the meajure of the gift of thrift. Nei-* 
ther doth he tell any Man, that he hath gi- 
ven him fo much, that he will give him na 

[ . more. No Man knows, how great his mea- 

. fure may be; The grace that Chrift intends 

to give, he gives not all at once ; fo that a 

Man may hope, his works may be beft at 

laft ; as w as faid of them, Rev. x . 1 9 . For, 

(1.) There isjio particular grace, though 

' ft be in the Soul, at prefent, but as fmoaking 

L 3 \\asL x 



Flax, but it may by daily exercife, and good 
uiage, grow to a great emincncy. 

(2.) There is no Corruption,though more 
deeply Rooted then others, in a Man's na- 
tural Conftitution, but that, in time, by walk- 
ingin the Spirit, bringing it to the Law of 
Chrift, to the death of Chrift, and to the 
love of CHrift, \ and joining his own endea- 
vours to the Spirit of Chrift, he may get an 
eminent vidtory over it, and fee it, by de- 
grees, fall down before him. 

(3.) There is no particular duty, how 
backward, and indifpoled foever he may be 
to it, at prefent, or hath been, a long time 
heretofore agatnft it, but he may grow to 
jan eminency in the pra&ice of it. 

(4.) There is no one temptation, of what 
kind foever, or how often foever he hath been 
overcome by it, but by takin^to himfelf the 
whole armour of God ; and ftrengthening 
himfelf in the ftrength of the Lord t which is 
pvery ones duty to do ) but he may fo refift 
it, and conquer it, that the Devil fhall fly 
before him.' 

(5\) There is no condition, how piany 
fnares foever , it may be compafled about 
withal, but through the exercife of grace, it 
may be managed tp fuch Spiritual advantage 
as may exceedingly promote Soul-profperity. 

(6.) There' are no doubts, no fears,, -no 
finking difcouragements, arifing from what 

-<.■• fpnng 



fpring foever, but they may be anfwered* 
and Mattered as a mill before the Sun, (hi* 
ning forth in its full ftrength. 

By all this we fee that it is as I have faid ; 
That as there is no reafon for any Man abfo- 
lutely to conclude, though he apprehend 
himfeif, at prefent to be Spiritually dead, that 
his Soul ihall never live : So there is ho fu£ 
ficient reafon for any Man to doubt, who 
is really, though weakly alive to God, but 
chat waiting upon God, and keeping his 
way, his Spiritual life may grow to be live- 
ly, and his Soul may profper as much as 
ever the Soul of Qaim did; Therefore, lot 
us up, and be doing, and the Lord will be 
with us, Phil. z. ix, 13, Work out your own 
Salvation^ with fear > and trembling. For it 
is God j that xoorketh in you, loth to will, and 
to do, of his good fleafure. This is that which 
flackens many Mens endeavours, that be* 
caufe they think they fliall never attain to 
fiich an height of Soul-profperity, as others 
have attained unto ; therefore they ftir not 
up themfelves, to reach after any profperity 
at all; as is charged on them, 7/^.64.7, There 
is none that calleth upon thy name, that Jlir- 
reth up himfeif to take hold of thee. As fome 
poor Men, becaufe they think, thev ihall 
never get beforehand, as many or their 
Neighbours do ; whatever other? get, they 
ihall never be worth a Groat, and therefore 

h 4 mind 



mind no more then to live from hand to 
mouth. But we have not fo learned Chrift. 
This is all that I fliall fay by way of argu- 
ment, to perfwade. 

I now proceed to fpeak of the former of 
thofe two Particulars, mentioned but now: 
That thofe that are fpiritually alive, ought 
to fee to it, that their Spiritual life be live- 
ly, and profper, becaufc therein the profperi- 
ty of their Souls confifteth. The great mat- 
ter to be enquired into, is to (hew what is to 
be done, in order to the carrying on, of this 
holy, and blefled defign. In Ipcaking un- 
to it, Let this be confidered. That there is 
a Rule for, and a Regiment of Health for the 
Soul, as there is for the Body. And what 
in a natural way, may be prefcribed, and 
ought to be made ufe of, for the wel-fare of 
the one, may be prefcribed, and ought to be 
made ufe of, in a Spiritual way, for the well- 
fare of the other. Of this kind,there are five 
feveral things, which I ftiall fpeak to in order. 

i; In reference to Bodily health, upon 
good advifement, the feafonable ufe of Phy- 
lick isneceflary. This is an Ordinance of 
God, and.ought to be ufed in faith, and obe- 
dience to God. Sometimes, for preventing 
of Difeafes, which other wife might prejudice 
our* health, and fometimes for curing, and 
removing of them, which otherwife may 
endanger pur life. Anfwerably to this, we 

find 



- ♦ 



find in the Scripture (which is the Magazine, 
and Store-hqufe for all Spiritual Receipts) 
Phyfick prefcribed for the Soul, by Jefu$ 
Chrift himfelf, the great Phy fician of Souls * 
without the due, and feafonable ufe whereof, 
t is impoffible, the Soul fliould profper. 

Before I tell you what it is, it is fit to pre- 
nife thefe three things. 

i . That the Soul of every Man, Spiritual- 
y alive to God, is as fubje& to Spiritual 
>ifeafes, as the Body of any living Man is 
:o Bodily Difeafes. And it is fin alone, and 
lothing elfe but fin, which is the ficknefs of 
;he Soul, and which if it be not cured* will 
>e the death, and deftru&ion of the SouU 
[t is the refemblance by which it is frequent-? 
y fet forth in the Scripture ; and that mod; 
fitly, as all Scripture refemblances are. For 
is ficknefs hinders the operation of Nature, 
wafting, and confuming, by degrees, both 
:he Natural heat, and Radical moifture, of- 
ten changing, and altering a Man's counte- 
nance^ Job 2. 12, And when they lift up their 
ryes afar of an J knew him not. Often caufing 
much pain, fo as the fick Man grows worie 
[and unlefs happily recovered, by the ble£ 
fing of God, upon the ufe of Means ) uritill 
death feize upon him. So that ficknefs, up- 
on this account} is truly faid, to be contrary 
to Nature, an Enemy to Nature. Even fuch 
I thing is fin to the Soul : It is contrary to 

the 



the well-fare, and profperity of it- ft Wars 
againft it, i Pet. i, xu It hinders the gra- 
cious a&ings of it, Rem. j. xt, 1 find a Law 
then, that when I weald de goody evil « frt> 
fint with me. It puts even living, and good 
Souls under fuch a difguife, that they neither 
fpeak, nor do like themfelves. As Jvb's 
Wife, ( though it is believed, that flie was a 
good Woman ) yet {he fpake ( as her Hus- 
band told her) as one of the foolilh Women, 
Job z. ro. So i Cor. 3.3. Their unmortiiied 
lulls put them under fuch a diiguife, that 
they walked as Men ; as thofe that were dill 
dead in fin, and never had received any prin- 
ciple of Spiritual life. And farther, Asfick- 
nefs caufeth pain ; fo guilt following of fin, 
often caufeth intolerable pain, in the anguifh, 
and chargings of Confcience. In a word, 
(in being indulged confumes, and waftes 
what is of God, in the Soul ; fo ( as it is laid 
of the worft of Men, % Tzm.y 1 3. ) ^ grows 
worfe, and worfe; ?nd if not happily preven- 
ted, it ends, at laft, in Eternal death, Rom. 8. 
1 3 rffje live after theflejb,ye jha& dye. 

x. As in all thefe refpefts, fin is fuch a 
thing' to the Soul, as ficknefe is to the Body : 
So } that we may be the more affe&ed, and 
take the more notice of it. It is fitly expreP 
fed by the feme name. As Pride is fitly 
compared to a Tympany ; Earthly-minded- 
nds to a Dropfie ; Carnal- feajrity tf> a Le- 
thargy; 



hargy ; Unruly paffions to a Frenzy ; Apo* 
lacy, and Back Aiding from the ways of 
Jgd, to the Falling-hcknefs ; Envy, to a 
*onfumption ; An unquiet, difcontented 
Jpirit, to the grief of the Bowels; Sore 
>jfcafes, all of thefe are. And befides all 
hefe,Original fin is as aLeprofie, over-fbrea- 
ling the whole Soul This evil Difeafe, 
vhich is, indeed, all Difeafes in one, cleaves 
into all Adams posterity, as Gehazzs Le- 
>rofie did to all his Seed ; for his Son ( if he 
lad any) and his Son s Son, and fo from 
Feneration to generation, were all Lepers, 

i Kings J. 17. 

3. Though this be generally acknow- 
ledged, That fin is the ficknefs of the Soul ; 
:herefore the Soul profpers only fo far as it 
is well rid of it ; yet this would be farther 
obferved, That though fin have fuch evil 
?ffe&s upon the Soul, as Dileafes have upon 
the Body : and that the names of Bodily 
Difeafes, do fo fitly refemble the Difeafes of 
the Soul : yet the difference is great, as to 
tfiat which is required, to difpofe the fick \n 
Soul, and the fick in Body, toward a recove* 
ry. In the Difeafes of the Body it matters 
not much ( it may perhaps fomething, but 
much it doth hot ) whether the fick Man 
know the name or nature of his Difeafe ; fo 
lie have, a faithful, and skillful Phyfician : 
Nor whether he know the virtue of what 



US6] 

■ 

is prefcribed him, or the compofition of ic 
, Or whether he be able to judge of the in- 
crease, or declining of his Dileafe, by the 
beating of his Pulfe : Though perhaps, fome 
infight into thefe things, might afford to 
fome perfons at leaft, fome fatisfa&ion ; yet 
they are left fpecially to the care, and wif- 
dom of the Phyfician, who often conceals 
the danger, left the'fick Man's fears, and 
phanfie might do him more hurt, then his 
Phyfick doth him good. But it is otherwife 
in Soul ficknefc ; a clear infight into theDif- 
eafe, is of great ufe, that every one fliQuld 
<underftand ( according to that expreffion, 
i Kings 8. 38.) the plague of his own heart; 
and what ftrength it hath got over him; 
how long it hath been growing upon him, 
and by what means, and occafions/he fell 
into it. Thefe are good fteps toward fpiri- 
tual health. This is required in order to 
cure, Jet. 3-13, Knovo\ and acknowledge thpte 
iniquity. And then,diftin£Hy to undcrftand 
the way of cure, and to follow thofe dire- 
ctions, which Jefus Chrifl: the great Phyfi- 
cian of our Souls, prefcribes, is a far greater, 
and better ftep. 

Having premifed thefe things, I fliall 
now lay betore you what is prelcribed by 
him. 

(1.) When the Body is full of corrupt hu- 
mours, there is need of Purging Phyfick. 

Even 



1 



[»*7] - 
Even fuch need hath the Soul, when.it is 
over-grown , and opprefled, with corrupt 
lulls, which are the noifome fleams of Ori- 
ginal corruption. It was well with them, 
of whom it is faid, i Pet. i. 22. that they 
had purified their Souls. This is command 
ded, Jam, 4.. 8, Cleanfe your hands ye finners, 
and purifie your hearts ye double mindcd.i Cor. 

7. \ T Let us cleanfe our fe Ives from allfiU 

thinefs of the flefb, andfpirit. - This is abso- 
lutely neceflary ; for as fin is to the Soul, 
as ficknefs is to the Body ; fo the purging out 
of thefe corrupt lufts, is to the Soul, what 
this purging Phy fick is to the Difeafe, jMfc 
1 5. x, Every branch in me (faith Chrill) f 
will purge j that it may bring forth more fruit. 
In Mai. 3 . 3 . it is prophefied, That God voiU 
fit as a Refiner \ and as a Purifier of Silver ; 
and purifie the Sons of Levi, that they may 
offer unto the Lord, an offering in Rightedkf 
nefs. Now this purging, and emptying thfe 
heart of the evil treafure that is in it, is all 
one with mortification ; and wherever, and % 
in whom foever this is negle&ed, that necef 
fary and commendable ,pra&ice of abound- 
ing in the External duties of Religion, avails 
nothing, to Soul-profperity : Ye iee this e&- . 
emplified in the Pharifees, Matth.6. Nay, 
though the Soul be alive to Chrift, yet 4f 
this be negle&ed, the Soul profperfr ridr. 
This is evident in thofe Church members ki 

Corinth. 



[1*8] } 

Corinth. /WfuppofedthemtobcinChrift: 
Yet their unmortified lulls, clearly proved 
it againft them, that they did not thrive, 
their Souls did not profper. They were but 
Babes in Chrift : They were in a compara- 
tive fenfe, in refped to what they ought to 
have been, and might have been, but very 
Carnal (till, i Cor. 3. 2,3. This then ought 
to be taken notice of, that befides the real 
foundation of universal mortification, that is 
laid in at firft, in the Soul's Converfion to 
Chrift, wherein the abfolute, and un-inter* 
rupted Reign of Original fin is broken ; yet 
the continual exercile of mortification, if 
to be minded, and taken up, other wife k 
is not like to go well with the Soul. For k 
is in this cafe, as it was with the Monar- 
chies, Dan. 4. 1 x. Though their Dominion 
.. was taken away, yet their lives were conti- 
nued for a feafon. So it is here ; for Origi- 
nal fin is like Leaven, which being mingled 
With the Dough,the Bread will always, more 
or leis, tafte of it* So that the moft mor- 
lifted Christian hath ftill more mortifying 
work on his haads, which he muft difpatch. 
Ifhofe that are in Chrift, Ram. 8. 1. and fa- 
tour the things of the Spirit, verfi ^ Yet 
are prefled to a further progrefs in this duty, 

*>*Kh *h tot *fy e > tbreugh the Spirit r 

do mrtifie the deed* of the Body* ye Jhd 
live* 

This 



l*S9l 

This in general. 

a. When by communing with our own 
hearts, and obferving the out-goings of our 
own Spirits we clearly fee that we are a? 
rnong the tranfgreflbrs, not among the righ- 
teous ; I mean, among thfc fick, and not a* 
- mong the found, then fpeedily and ferioufly 
to fet our felves to the ufe qi fuch purging, 
and mortifying means, as Chrift hath prer 
fcribed in his word 

. And here I defirc you to note, .that the 
means appointed, in this cafe, to be sfed> 
come under a double consideration. 
, (i.) Some there are, which we may not 
defire, nor adventure upon, but as the Pro- 
vidence of God, according to the condition 
we are in, calls us to make ufe oft 

(z.) There are other means, which, what- 
ever our condition be, we ought, immediate- 
ly, and daily, to apply our felves, to make 
ufe of, as the matter requires ; and upon 
fpecial occasions, in a manner more then or- 
dinary. 

For the former of thefe, they are of two 
forts. 

(i.) The Evil of Affli&ion. Afld 

(z,) The Evil of Sin. 

z. The Evil of Affliction* of what kind 

foever it be^ or for what caufe foeyer, \t 

comes to be our portion, whether upon our 

own Eerfonal account; or upon the Com- 
mon 



^^^^^^^^Wl 



[itfo] 

mon account of Religion. Thefe are the 
means, that God makes ufe of, Dan. 11.3ft 
And fome of them of under/landing fh all fall > 
to try them, and to purge, and to make them 
white. Ua.z7.99 By this therefore JhaB the 
iniquity of Jacob he purged, ana this is, aOtbe 
fruity to take away their fin. And they are 
fit means, for they have a great tendency 
to awaken the Confidence, as Gen. 41.11 j 
And they faid one to another y we are verily 
guilty concerning our ; Brother. To break 
the unrulinefs of our Spirits, and to make us 
willing to hearken to what God fpeaks ud- 
to us, in his word> Hofi 5. 1 5; / will go, and 
return to my place, iiU they acknowledge their 
offence, and Jeek my face ; in their affliHio*, 
they willfeek me early. And therefbre,when 
God is plcafed to exercife us this way, we 
ought to improve them for this end. And 
it is a great aggravation of fin, and a great 
evidence of an heart greatly unmortifiei 
not to do iu'Ifa. 57. 17, For the iniquity if 
his, cozetoufnefs, I was wroth, and fmote bm\ 
I hid me, and was wroth, and he went onfror 
wardly, in the way of his heart. Therdori ■ 
Hear the Rod, and who hath appointed it t 
Mic. 6. 9. Yet for all this, we may not de- 
fire to come under the lafh of any of God's 
Rods, when we are free, in hope that vb 
may thus improve them : For who knows 

afore-hand, but that when he hath his dfr 

fire, 



and is under the Rod, that it will flot 
r be with him, as it was with Ahaz; 
tM.zS.zx, And in the time of bis jhk- 
he did trefpafsjet mere again/1 the Lord, 
is that King Ahaz. Or other wife with 
that it was with Na&a/ 9 whole heart 
as unfenfible in him as a (tone, during . 
rime of his ficknefs, I Sam.,x$. This we 
are of, that there needs an Almighty 
er to work with them, to make them 
nmy efle&ual influence, to purge oat 
tuch as one of tfaofe lufts, which hinder 
well-fere, and profperity of the Soul. 
what ground we have to hope -that 
will put forth any fiieh power, with 
of his Rods, cfpecially/ when we our 
:s, without any call from God/ have cal- 
for them, *nd defired them, would be 
considered of; ... 

, As the £vii of Affliction h riot to be 
ed for this end, but only to be made 
>f, for this end, when Cod brings it up- 
is: So it is With <he Evil of Sin. CawUs 
fed often to make ufe of his peoples mif- 
iage$, to work much this Way, bringing 
.healthoutofSoul-ficknefe. Tbus.Cckf 
light with Peter. Compare Mitth. %$. 
with John %i. 15. -And with Jfezekiafr, 
Won. 31. 26, Hezekiah humlled himfilf 
the f ride u/ his hearu And thus he 

ughx .wish: Jtomid. Thatjgrcat fin pf 



* 
\ 



• ■ * • 

his, through the mighty working oft! 

rit of God upon his heart, occafioi 

great exercife of his Repentance, and 

Faith, as ever he gave any evidence 

the whole time/of his life,from the fir 

of his Converfion; to the time of his ] 

So that inceftuous • Corinthian, his 15 

was fo deep,' that he was in danger tc 

been fwallowed up by it. 

; Thus the Lotq is pleafed to work ; 

: have heard that skilful Phyficians, a< 

' ingto the rules of Art, can teniper poi 

• ingredients into wholefome Medicines. 

thfcis proper forthem only to medle 

al, that are skilful, in their Art. . So t 

a divine skill proper only to the great 

firf^n of Souls. But this we may not 

ourfelves unto : I mean, not to give w 

(in in hope that Faith and Repentance 

c therebybe fej on work, and our Souls 

: jpw*the better after it. No : No Man c 

/to give way tptheleafl; fin, though h 

? tire greateft'grotrtd ?>f hdbe-that migl 

; tiSat he might be preferved thereby fr 

" pekttt fin; It's true, iii rcfpcft of the c 

jiuffering, when there is no remedy, bu 

* of them mjrft Be chofen, the tefi may be 

^§fttb avoitf thfc 'greatehBut in refpeft c 

*CVil of fin, weoftght not to fwallow a i 

.in hope thereby; to avoid a.OameLN 

takeup a Moat, in hope thertby to £hii 



j 
t 



[i'3 ] 

the Bearti, but (land out againft alJ, and 
leave the fuccefs to God, Row.$. 8. I ante 
met with a godly Man* who being in great 
heavinefs .under the fenfe of the hardnels of 
his heart, was tempted to adventure upon 
ibme great fin, and then his heart would 
melt, and break prefently .- But the Lord 
gracioufly preferved him, and wrought in 
him that tendernels, in a great meafure, 
which he defired ; whereas yielding to that 
temptation, had been the way, to have been 
hardened, by the deceit of fin ; as that young 
Man Dn Pre/ion fpeaks of, who being iti 
much angurflb of fpirit, for his wicked courfe 
Of life, and often refolving upon a courfe of 
Reformation, was tempted to do but once 
more as he had done, and then he ihould ne- 
ver be troubled more : He yielded to the 
temptation/ and he was never troubled any 
more as he had been, but was given up, to 
work all iniquity with greedinefs. We fee 
then, it- is God's fole Prerogative tor bring 
Qood out of Evil ; and ( as I faid) Soul- 
health, out of Soul-ficknefs. But this way 
we ought to abhor : Only, when this comes 
to be our fad condition, we ought to do as 
Manajfes did, z Chrom 33. 12, 13, When he 
vm in Affliftion, be be/ought the Lord his Godj 
And humbled himfelf great ly y — And prayed 
unto him. He befought the Lord, and he 
frayed, that is , he prayed , and lie prayed, 

M z and 



..• 



* 



[I6 4 ] 

and humbled himfelf greatly. So did Peter, 
Matth. x6. ult. 

Thus ye fee, there are fomc means we 
ought not to adventure upon, in hope tt> 
make ufe of them, for the profpering of our 
Souls. 

z. There are fome other means, which 
ought immediately, and daily ( though it 
fome times more iolemnly then others ) to 
be made ufe of,acco?ding as we. find that We 
have contra&ed any guilt, or defilement up- 
on our Souls, either great, or fmall, more Or 

:bfo and that is in the renewed exercifeof 
Repentance, and Faith, to apply our fetatt 

. .to the Lord Jefus Chrift, that he would waft 

v^os,and purge us both from the one, and the 

pother. 

( i.) In the renewed exercife of Repen- 
tance, and godly forrow, reallizing the fid 
confequences, that may poflibly follow, and 
are very likely to follow the Icaft fin tint 
is flighted, and indulged. Thus %*h qx.6, 
JVherefore I Mor myfelf^ and repeat txv&jt, 
and apes. He was no vile perion, he hid 
not committed any ^grofs fins ; but: guilty 
he was of many unadvifed fpeeches ; of fine 
mixture of that' corruption, which is cob- ' 
trary to that grace, wherein he was fo tat 
nent, I mean of impatience ; aodofdittreft* 
fulnefs, as to God's delivering him. Tbefe 
were his failings, and for tljefe he ifenevttl 

the 



« • 



[i^3 

the cxercife of his Repentance, even to ab- 
horring himfelf, fo as he was vile in his own 
eyes, whilft he was pretioijs in the eyes of 
God. This is a great Purger, 2 Cor. 7. 1 1, 
For behold this f elf fame thing, that ye for* 
rowed after a godly fort, what carefulnefs it 
wrought in you, yea what clearing of your 
filveSj §fo Jam. 4, S, Cleanfe your hands, ye 
a*uer$ $ anf/ purifie your heart s 9 ye doubU-min* 
Jed. 

2. In the exercife of Faith, that draws, 
and purges. Hereby virtue is drawn from 
Chrift: As that Difeafed Woman faid, and 
found it by experience, when (he touched 
him* It wqs the touch of Faith, by which 
far fountain of blood was (topped, Mark 
j. 2 8, 29. Thus faith alio purifies, Aft. 1 5. 9. 
That wjjiich we have Mai. 4. 2. is very con- 
siderable to this purpofe. Chrift is faid tp 
be the Sun pf Righteoulhefs : And when he 
arifetb, and fhineth, upon the Soul, he ari- 
fcth with healing in his. wings. What are 
fchefe wings - ? The wings of the natural Sun, 
are the beams of the Sun, whereby light and 
heat are conveyed from the Sua- And the 
wings of the myflical Sun, the Sun of Righ- 
teoulhefs, are the Gofpel of Chrift, and the 
Spirit of Chrift. Tngfe are the healers, 
Ezek. 47. 8. There were the waters of the 
San&uary, which healed the waters of the 
Sea* When tfcfe waters have free courfe 

M 3 \accor v 



[i66] 

£ according to what the Apoftle prayed for, 
t Thef.y i. ) fo as they meet with no flop 
in the mouths of the Minifters, nor in the 
hearts of the people, their healing efficacy 
will evidently appear. It is faid indeed in 
the fore-mentioned chapter oiEzekiel. v. n. 
that the miry places were not healed. In 
ifuch places, where the water hath not its 
free courfe, hut flops, it mingles with the 
fofter parts of the Earth, and makes Mire. 
•Sd the truths of the Gofpel, though they 
meet with no flop in the mouths of the Mfr 
nifters j yet if they meet with obftruftions 
in the hearts of the hearers, fo as the motir 
m5bs of the Spirit are not obferved, and the 
iOperations of the Spirit refiftdd : Then cor- 
ruption mingles jevert with the word it felf, 
taming the tireenefs of the grace of Chrift 
into wantonnefs , and the efficacy of his 
grace into Ja2ine& This makes a miry, 
polluted, dirty 6tm 1, r Therefore as ever we 
defire that our Soiils Ihould profper, and 
« thrive a& a watered Garden, according to 
: that promife, Jer. 31.12. See that thefe wa- 
ters have a free paflage: Let faith be exer- 
cifed upon thole ' truths, which hold forth 
• the frtenefsj and riches of the grace of Chrift: 
For thofe are the truths, the Prophet faw in 
His Vifion, reprefented by thole waters. And 
let this be in conjun&ion with the excrcife , 
jpf Repentance. This is the way, by the 
'*. ' Spirit 



[i6 7 ] 

Spirit of grace, working with thefe truths, 
thereby Souls are healed and purged, i TeU 
c. z% 9 Seeing ye have purified your Souls, in. 
} teying the truth, through the Spirit. Thefe 
ivere the truths, by obedience whereuntoi! 
heir Souls were purified. 

. This is the way, whereby the Lord firft 
Degins to heal, and purge the Soul For 
:his I fihall give you but one place of Scrip- 
lire, but it is a place to be taken notice of. 
[t . is x. Corinth. 5. . 1 9. Wherein note three 
Jungs. ■ t- ,' 

(1.) God intending, according to his E- 
ternal purpofe, to heal fome fick, quicken 
feme dead, lave fome loft Souls, declares his 
purpofe to do it, by way of Reconciling them 
so himfelf. This he will do, before they 
ball be poflefled of that Salvation, he hath 
:hofen them unto. His method is firft to 
purge their Souls, mortifying that enmity. 
Jiat is in their hearts, both againft his ways, 
ind their own good, and fo to reduce them 
to terras of Reconciliation with himfelf, and 
crake them willing to be Reconciled unto, 
bum. 

(2.) How God will do this, [Godmsin 
Chrifi. ] The Divine Nature, aflumed the 
Human Nature, and fo in, and through 
Chrift, God-Man, in one Perfon offers terms 
of Love, and Peace to them, as the moft eft 
feftual way to prevail upon their); and to 

M 4 bring 



bring their Souls about to trim* 

(3.3 But in what peculiar way wifl 1b 
irioiro tranfeepdently manifeft this grac&. 
add mercy ^ The Test telk us, he will dot 
it [ i* net impmwg their inipfaies} J prapfr- 
fing, and promifing 9 foil, and evcrkftmg 
pardon, oi alt fin, never to be called in* it' 
to terms be accepted of : And tthe fimsr 
being made wilhag to be Rcrnqcflrd iimo 
God, Thus he fubdues the heart, -■ conquo* 
irrg it by Love. And thus the work: of pnr« 
ging, and cleanfing the Soul is begun, Lmkp 
47, Her Jins^ xehkh are may, are forgiven, 
fer fie terved muck And as thus it isbegm^ 
fo upon a failure, it is renewed, and cent* 
itoed When a Soul that s. D&a&dr and 
polluted, is awakened to apply hinifetfta 
Jefas Chrift, the Sun of Rjghteoufncfe, is 
the exercile of Faith, and Repentance* mfe 
king way, that the waters, of the San&uary> 
the Spirit of grace, and the Goftpd of grace 
may hot fee Oopt in their courfc, but htm 
a free pafiage into the Soul, the hope of Re- 
conciliation with God is rated greatly, aqd 
that flirs up the Soul to purifie himfttt 
l fo&. 3. 3, Every e*e that hafb tin hofa 
ptrifietb bmfetfi fObfclve that [ He pun* 
£es himfefc) TWs isneceflaxy : For asPhy- 
iBcfc is moft ef&ftuat to purge Dot corrupt 
humours, when Nature works with it {for 
ft is to no pur pofe to give it to a dead Man, 

and 



1 1*9 3 

and when Nature is quite fpent in a lick Per* 
fon*.it comes too. latL). Sa it is here, Xhft, 
Soul that thu* Wflitt it feli to- Cbrift, 
will find ftis Woo/ » be a heal«g r purging, 
fin-mortify ing.blood But in applying our 
felves thereunto, our own thoughts, and' 
afte&ions; our own endeavours, and refor 
lotions agaicfl: all occasions o£ fin, agsfaft 
the fbtft rifings of fin; and we mud apply 
our (elves to what mortifying means we find 
p«feribed,andfa&ve beea found to be of ufe 
to others. All thefe we muft fet on work^jnd 
then the Spirit of God, will work with us, 
R*m. & 13, — if j* tbrotgk tfc Spirit* d» 
mortific the deeds of the BeJji, y& (baMliw. 
And doing thus* we may be fiud % To purge 
out fefoes, as x Or» 7. 1. x Tim. 1. *i. If 
wc do thus, JVt jha& fa Fejfch of h*mmr % fk 
for the Mafiers *fk 1 That is,our Souls ihatt 
prober. 

This is the fir ft thing, that I have to com* 
mend unto you, as ye mind the welKare. r 
and ptofperityofyatir Souk, to mind this- 
There is another kind of Phyfick, tobe made, 
o&o£, as the matter requires, and that w 
Cordials; for the healing of a feinting Sout 
This may be fpoken unto hereafter ; when 1 
lave firft fpoken unta what is, maft tirnes.to- 
be madeira ofjaetwixt tfaisof Purging^uad 
that of Cordials. 

SERMON. 



['7°] 






SERMON VIII. 



%. T" I ^^He-ncxt thing that I fhall take 
I notice of, as neceflary for the 
I health, and well-fare of the Bo- 
-^* dy ( which as the Lord fhall 
enable me, I fhall apply to the point in hand) 
is the obferving of a good Diet ; with re* 
fpc& to tfofc choice of meats, fuch, as by ex- 
perience, have, been found, bed agreeable to 
the Nature, -and Conftitution of the Body ; 
and in.pfoportion, fuitable to the natural 
best of our ftomachs, for Cbnco&ion, and 
Digeftion* This is a great .means of health, 
efpecially for fuch as are naturally weak, and 
infirm. ' For, ufually , as is our Food, fo is 
our Blood ; as is our Blood,fo are our Spirits; 
and as are our Spirits, fo are our Bodies for 
health, or'ficknefs; forfirength, or weak? 
nefc. Now, as I told you, what in a natural 
way is for the health and welWare of the 
Body , is, in a ipiritual way, applicable to the 
health, and well-fare of the Soul, I {hewed 
you, that it was fo, in that which I fpakff 
lad unto* I am now to ihew, it is fo in this* 
In order hereunto, we muft take notice, 

that 



[ i7i 3 

that as God hath provided (and that, with 
great variety ) Food and nourifhment for 
the prefervation of the Natural life of our 
Bodies : So he hath, for the prefervation of 
the Spiritual life of our Soul ; and that fui- 
table to the degree that our Souls have at- 
tained unto. Heb, y . i 3 ? 1 4, Milk for Bales 9 
Meat for flrong Men. Food that endures t§ 
Eternal life, Joh* 6. 27.' Such Food as is a 
Feaft, whereupon the Soul may feed, and 
fare delicioufly every day, Jfa. i$\ 6,<~* 
JFeafi of fat things, a Feaft if Wine on the 
Lees, &c This is a piatter we are much 
concerned in. That we know both our Pri- 
yiledge, and our Duty herein, fomething 
mull be faid to each of thefe four Particu- 
lars.. *«i M 

i r What that Food is, which Gckf bath 
provided, for the health, and proipprity of 
our Souls* 

2. What thofe Means are, whereby that 
Food is conveyed unto us. 

3. Something, by way of argument, to 
guickpn our Spiritual Appetite after it. 

4. Something by way of Direction, liow 
to feed upon it, foas to receive that nou- 
rlfhment from it, which our Souls; (land in 
heedof. 

1. For the firft of thefe. That Food which 
God hath provided for us, is Jefus Chrift him- 
lelf ; but Jefus Ghrift efpecially as Grucifiecf. 

(\}TbS& 



1*17*. J 
(i.) TI)ifFoodisJefi^Ch»afthimfeI£ For 
the proof of this, qonficjer, that Jefiis Qtudft 
&faid'.to be the. tr<t of /^Reyej. *,. 7. And 
theHiMefiMwnct, verf.i 7- Both which were 
Xypps of Chrift. 

(1.) He is iauitQ he Zfe *rrc qf Ufe t in 
allwfwn to that tree><Jv'*. 3,, whiph was. cal- 
led, the Trqe qI Life, novfqr, aja.y Natural, 
or Phyfical excellency in.jt, to greferve life, 
more then other Trees* big; oflly as it was a 
Seal of tJig Covenant of w,orl$ ; a conditio- 
nal Seat «£tbat Eternity of Life* whiqh^- 
dw might; with all fijllneis of confidence 
have egps&ed, if he had. perfevered in faith- 
fujnefs. to. what, was required of biro. But 
ft. is upon, another account, that Jefus Chrift 
is called, The Tree of life, becaufe he hath 
life in himfelf> aad quickeaethwhomhe will* 
Job* 5. 2.6.. And with the food that he af- 
fords, nourKheth, and preferveth, that fife 
( whei£ hj? hath quickened k ) un*o Eter- 
nal' life, ib that it neve.r runs, into death. 
Revel. 22.. He is feid to be a^Tree of Life, on 
both fides of the Jtivei? of thfr Water of Life. 
But one Tree, yet reajjhjet^ to, both fides of 
the River 5 fo that all, fron? what ojjarter 
ibeye* they come, may rtjcfiiye Fopo, anjd 
nourilhrnent from him. And though but 
pne Tree, yej; it bajse tweiye kinds, or Fruit, 
which fet<eth lorth the variety of Spiritual. 
fnvUedige^. ajtf grac^ whjc& Jefi» Cferift 

hath 



hath to giv<e forth for the profperity of the 
Soul, according toall its concernments. Thus 
as he is the Tree df Life, he is for the Food of 
our Souk 

(2.) Heisfc>asheis faidtbbe, Tfje hid- 
den Manna, Rev. x. 17. Manna, ye know, 
was their Bread in the Wildernefs -fourty 
years ttgeehgr* It is faid, Pfdhft. ay. to 
be Angbls Food, whether for the excellency 
©fit, that it was for them'to have fed upon, 
if -they had flood m any need df it : Ofc 
whether it was prepared for them,' by the mi- 
niftry of itogejJn^-fliils need not be difpu- 
tcd. This fe<ertain, it Was aType d£Chrift> 
■wlk>*ith bfhftrifelf, That he A^ihe living 
'Bread that came ddwn-froni'Heaven : A'ntt 
he is fetd to be, The hidden 'Manna ;'pof- 
Tibly alluding to -thdt Pot 6f Manna, which 
was hidden. In* the Ark of the Testimony, 
foirrtlng at Chrift^hidaen Food,aitoffether 
unknown to : the Unbelieving 'World, who 
neVer - had fo mucTi as a real tafte of the un- 
fearehable riches 'of his^race, of the fcjfficacy 
of his Death, or the fcdwer of his Refurre&i- 
on. But as it was m reference to Manna : 
- AA fhofe-th^t in the exercife of Faith Bideat 
- ofit,' under that cohfideration, as a Type 6f 
Chrift,it was fpiritual meat to them. So 
the water eiit of the'Rock, to all thofe that 
- : in the fame ttianrlftr, under the fame confide- 

•ratfon, did drink of it, was fj>iritual drink, 

1 Cor* 



[i74l 

,x Cor. io.y f 4. Even fo is Jefus Chrift, it 
'this day^uid will be to the end of the World; 
his flelh will be meat indeed, and his blood 
will be drink indeed, to all thofe that feed 
upon him by faith; And this leads me to the 
fccond Particular. 

(z.) That Jefus Chrift is this Food, which 
is appointed for the nourishment of the Soul, 
as he is a Crucified Saviour. Even as we 
read of the Manna, Numb. 1 1. 8. that it was 
prepared to be eaten, by b^iflg firft ground 
in the MilL or beaten, in a Mortar, and fb 
baked in a Pan. And llwhe Rock was (mit- 
ten with the Rod of Mofes % before the water 
gufhed out>fo it was, at firft, by God's ap^ 
ipointthent* Mxod. 17. 6. And the Pafchal 
Lamb was roafted at the fire, before it was 
eaten. Even fo Jefus Chrift was wounded 
for our tranfgreffions, imitten of God unto 
death, that fo he might be fpiritualJFood for 
Souls, according to the Fathers appoint- 
ment. This was the ground of Pauls refc- 
lution* He determined* to know nothing, 
(/. e. to make known unto them nothing, 
comparatively) but Jefus . Chrift, and him 
Crucified. And indeed the firft comfort- 
able fight that a humbled finner hath of 
Chrift, when his heart works after him, for 
. the life and Food of his Soul is, as he was 
clothed with his Garments of Blood, made a 
Curfe for tinners, as obedient unto death. 

this 



This was always the fcope of Pants preach 
ing, firft to let forth Chrift as Crucified, G<a£ 
3* i. So he preached him, and fo he defircd 
that thofe who were his hearers might rer 
ceive him. *So the Sacrament . of the Lord's 
Supper, wheteirt fpiritual Food is administer- 
ed to a believing Soul, the fcope thereof 
is. to Jbew forth the Lord's death, till he <otne t 
l Con ii. %6. And this ujpon the higheft 
-ground of reafon,for as Jews Chrift, by his 
blood redeemed our Souls from a ftate of 
.fpiritual death, to a ftate of fpiritual life, 
breaking down the partition-wall, not only 
between Jews, and Gentiles, but alfo be- 
tween God and Sinners, Eph. x. 13. So he 
■ purchafed thereby, not only a filU difchaige 
trom the guilt of fin, by the imputation of 
-his own righteoufhefs, but power to com- 
municate, from his own fullnefs, continual 
r fupplies of fpiritual life, for the daily pro- 
? grefs of Soid-profperity. For whatever we 
• receive for our All, is to be received firo&i 
. Chrift, as rifing again from the dead, agaf- 
cending into Heaven, as making intercefllqn 
for thofe that come to God by him, and 
whatever influence Chrift in his Offices^ as 
Kingi Prieft, and Prophet hath into the life, 
and nourilhment of our Souls, the foundati- 
on of all was laid in this, that Chrift was a 
Crucified Saviour. His interceffion is effe- 
ctual, becaufe his blood fpeaketh, Hehiz&y 

As 



1X761 
'As die great Prophet of his Church, hd ire- 
veals the counfel of his Father, in all that is 
fteceflary to be known, to make us wife un- 
to falvation, for that he merited this by his 
blood>ifeu 5.5,6. Becaufe the Lion of the 
Tribe affudab was the Lamb flain^thcrefore 
he prevatfedtto open the bookcffOod s kasct 
Council^which no man efie was found <wor* 
"thy te open, or to read, orcfo much -as to 
look upon, fo Rm. 4. 24. His refimce&H 
on is for the declaring of oorjuftificaiiofl ; 
but that is> becauie he cfirft dyed ibr our 
fins. 

Thus jaahtirt the fecoodparticufarw- 
der the firftiiead, .proved unto you. That 
as Jefus drift himfelf is appointed for tbc 
food of enr Souls, fo Jefus Chrift fpecitUy 
•as crucified. Even sis at thfcday, thofcli- 
ving creatures; which by God s tttoWtaec 
we feed upon, tnuflfirft lofethfeirjowmHvcs 
before they can be for fupport to ours ; 'Ewot 
fo it is here. No life from Chrift^ut hy tfc 
death of Chrift- Therefore faith GhfifU 
Jdh. 6.53. Vtriifiverity; /Jay tbttoyok, ib*f\ 
except ye vat ihefajh of the Sm vfMani **^ 
id rink its bloody ye have mttftinytm* 

I now proceed to what inthefeooiid jfadP5 
teas propofed, which was torfhetf. 

a. What are the waysaiid incans^by wHet* 
Jefus Chrift conveys this ipiritual HfeitfiK^ 
tieibul; that it nwyUvearf^rofoct'. ■ 



1*77 J 

A*f. It is by the powerful working of his 
Holy Spirit, fprinkling all Ordinances, all 
Providences, and the Soul it felf that receives 
aourifhment from Chrift, with the merits^ 
and efficacy of the blood of Chrift. 

(i.) All Ordinances, in theufe of theni 
he is faid, to fet meat before us, Hofi i. 4, 
Meat which is compared to thpfe things 
thatareriourilhingto the Body, Ifa. 5 5^2,3 j 
Wherefore do ye fpend your Money for that 
which is riot Bread? fefc.The word is compared 
to Honey ( PfaL 1 19. 1 03 y Howfweet are thy. 
words to my tafte > yea fweeter then honey to 
my month j ?nd preferred before it. Solo* 
mon faith, from. 24. 13, My Son, eat thou ho- 
ney becaufe it is good, ana the honey-comfo 
jphich isfweet to thy tafte. And it is ibunq 
by experience, that Honey is good, and the 
Honey-comb is fweet to the tafte; But thd 
word it fweeter then the Honey, which ot 
its own accord drops from the Honey-comb) 
without any prefling, which is reckoned the. 
fweeteft or all. .What is particularly, . is 
laid of the? Promifes, in a fenfe, is true of alt 
the Ordinances, Ifa. 3 8. 16. In thefe .things! 
we live, id them is the life of our Spirits. 
The whole word is faid to be the word )£ 
/ifa, A& 5. 20. Thus the Lord, feeds, the 
Soul, according to that promife, lfa.5%.1^ 
I will feed them wiihJhe heritage of Jacob 
their Father. What Was that ? It was thej 

U' good 



[178] 

good things of the Land of Canaan ; but not 
with them alone, but with that whereof 
they were a Type, the Heavenly inheri- 
tance, together with all things relating 
thereunto ; the Promifes, not only of this life, 
but alfo of the life to come. They were nart 
of Jacob's heritage, PfaL 1 47.1 9,20, He pew- 
ed his word unto Jacob, his ftatutes y and his 
ordinances unto Ifrael, ^c. This is one way, 
whereby food for the Soul is conveyed from 
Chrift. Therefore it is, that Paftors, in their 
adminiftrations, are faid To feed the Chw ch. 
It is upon that account, that they $re called 
Paftors. Jer. 3. ij. AH. zo. a 8. But 'this is 
only fo far, as they sre fprinkled with the 
blood of Chrift. Otherwise, as there is a 
vanity in the Creatures, when God with- 
draws himfelf from them; fo there fe in Or- 
dinances, Ifa. 1 . 1 3 , Bring no more vain ol- 
l at ions. As th$ merits of CJirift purchafe 
c«r Spiritual life, fo they purchafe a blefftog 
upon that food, which is tor nourishment of 
\t ;. Rebecca may drefs the Ventfon, but Ifaac 
gives the blefljng. So it is here, Exod. ^o. 
X4, In all place S) where I record my Name, 1 
frill come unto thee, and blefs thee. G^k.%. 8, 
He that wrought effctlually in Peter, to the 
Afoftlefbif of the Circumcifion, the fame was 
mighty in me toward the Gentiles* 

i. Asia all his Ordinances, fain all his 
Providences, when frrinkled with the blood 

of 



V5 / 



1179 J 

bfChrifo ttiere islikewife nieat laid before 

Us, even in every one of them, of what 

fort foever. Obfcrvablc to this purpofe, is 

that which we have Job. 10. 9, Tfjey/hall 

ge ififfiad out, and find pufitire* Going in, 

and out; according to Scripture expreffion, ' 

let forth ill the turnings, and various pa£ 

lages of i Man's life.. So we underftand 

that toromife Deut. x8. 6, Blejfed Jtalt thoti 

le y rvbeitkoH conttft in, and hlejfed fhalt thou 

be, when thou goefi out Which is renewed 

igain^F/i/. I21. 8, Tie Lord fhatt preferve 

thy going out, and thy coming in. There is 

good feeding to be had in all thefe, even 

where it might be leaft looked for, Mic. 7. 

14. God promifeth, That he will feed the 

jflock of his heritage with his rod. This is 

hard feeding ; but bkfled be the Lord, it 

hath proved, and will prove again, good and 

frholefome nourifhment, when Iprinkled 

With the blood of Chrift t for thereby he 

1iath puifchafed a fruitful, and fan&ified ufe 

of the Rod. Chrift being a Mediatour, in 

reference to the rod, as well as in reference' 

to the' Wof d : when it is fo, then dark and 

cloudy Providences falling down in fhow- 

•€ts, which ( as we lay ) Wet a Man to the 

skin, nay even reach the very heart, coming 

hear unto it, and cutting deep into it, yet 

they, drop fatnels, and though they make 

the Way foul, yet they make the Land 

' N * frufr; 




/ 



^/^^y 



fruitful, Heb. iz. 10, Godchaflens us for pur 
profit^ that we may be partakers of his^ ho- 
linefs. Then meat is found in the eater, com- 
fortable nourifhment in the crofs, when we 
cdn fay, as Pfal. 13., 4, — thy rod^andtkyflaff 
. comfort me. % V ' 

3 . As bofljin Providences, and Ordinan- 
ces thus fpriiikled, nourifhment is convey- 
ed to the Soul : So the Soul that receives 
this nourifhment,muft be fprinkled with the 
fame blood. There muft be ( as Heb. 12; 
13. ) a coming to the blood of lprinklin^ 
in the exercife of Faith ; for thereby it is, 
that food, or vertue to feed, is diftributed 
•into them all, and fo conveyed unto the 
Scful. Even as the Root of the Tree draws 
fap from the Earth, and then, conco£ts it, 
and fends it forth to all the boughs, and 
branches, which if they redeive not, tfcey 
wither; fo it is here. 4 It is not any one 
Providence, or Ordinance ; no, if we take 
them all in conjunction together, that eir 
therin whole, or in jjpajrt, convey any nou- 
rifhment to theSoiil, but as iprinkled with 
the blood of Chfift ; and made, ufe of, as 
fubordinate means in his hands, arid as made 
effe&ual by the exercife of Faith, drawing 
in all our expeditions of itiy Spiritual nou- 
rifhment, from any of thefe, into Chrift 
alone, 1 Cor. 10. 4, They all drank the fame 
Spiritual drink ( for they drank of that Spi- 

--■■•■ ritual 



+*L 



[i8i] 

ritual Rock that followed them, and that 
Rock was Chrjft ) They did all eat the fame 
meat. Some had the food, but not the 
nourilhment ; they hadtiot this fprinkling, 
for ver* ft With many of them^ God was not 
well f leafed. So it may be with any of us, 
at this day :' Though we have caufe, with 
all thankfulnds, to acknowledge, as David 
did, in another cafe, Pfal. 23. ft Thou pre- 
pare/? a Table before me y in the prefence of 
mine enemies. To their great grief, and 
vexation, who thought they had fliut the 
Door, fo as no Man fliould have opened it : 
but God hath opened it, fo as none of them 
can, as yet,ftiut it ; fo that we are not fcanted 
in provifion for our Souls ; yet as Pharaoh's 
lean Kinfc did not profper ever the better for 
their feeding in a M eadow,and eating up the 
fat Kine : Even fo will it be with our Souls, 
unlefs we feed upon Chrift. In the ufe of 
Pafture, and all other means of feedinj 
they will ftill be lean, and ill-favoured, 
that, if we were fenfible of it, we Ihould 
fee caufe to complain, as Ifaiah doth, My 
leannefsi my leannejs, Ifa.. 24. 16. God will 
deal with us, as he did with them, when 
he gave them the food they lufted.afteiv 
though they had jt, yet he font leann^fs in*, 
to their Souls : Inftead of nouriftring them, 
a deadly confumption came along with ir, 
us Hum. 1 14 33. Pray that we may be de- 

N 3. $&\ 




J, 8*] 

livered from this Judgment, that we njay 
not ( as it is laid .in our common Proverb ) 
ftarve in a Cook's {hop. And this leads me 
to the « 

3 . Third Particular : What argument^ 
are there to quicken our Spiritual appetite 
to this food ? Of many that might be given, 
I (hall only mention thefe three. 

(j,) This is food, th^tnjay eafily be com* 
pafled. Many are put hard to it, for a fiib? 
iiftence for themfefves, and their Families. 
Eccl. 6. 7, All the labour of Man is for his 
mouth, and yet the appetite is unfilled. But 
it is not fo here ; this is prepared, ready for 
\\s, Matth. xx. 4. I have prepared my Din* 
her : mine Oxen, and my ratlings are kilkd x 
and all things are ready. And freely offer* 
ed, it isbut, Come, and eat, Ifa. $;. 1, x. 'lis 
true, we are commanded to labour for this 
food, more then for any thing elfe that the 
World affords, what need foeyer we ft^nd in 
of it, Job. 6. 27, Labour not for the meat that 
perifbeth) but for that meat which exdureth 
unto everlafling life, which the Son of Ma* 
jbalt give unto you. But it is with a labour 
like pat of Adam in Paradife, fweet, eafie, 
and delightful. The very labouring after 
It, affords more content, and frisfe&boa to 
jfte Soul ( truly fo called ) then any Croat 
^ure-comfort whatfpever^Frw. j.i y, 1 6, 17* 
**" (z.) There is no other food for our Souk 

^ but 



t*8 3 J 
but this ; wi muft feed uport it, or ftarve* 

Any thidg that God appoints, may fupply 
the want of bodily food. Deuf. 8. a, 3,— 
/Jfo* *&/# w* live h tireqd alone, but by eve* 
ry votird that proceed* th out of the mouth of the 
Lor A y doth Man live* But nothing can (up 
ply the Want of Chrift. They that feed 
upon toy thing elfe, expgfting any Soul- 
nourifhment, do but (as they If a. 44. 20.) 
#rt/ on afhes. And indeed the complexion 
of fome Mens Souls, fhews what their diet 
is, fo Earthly, &c As young folks tinder 
fome bodily Diftettiper, eat Chalfe 5 pf Lime, 
&c. How ill do they look ? Make the belt 
of it, To feed upon any thing elfe is but 
perilling food, Joh. 6. 27. And as well may 
we think that fifties of the Sea may live 10 
the Air, or the beads of the Field in the b6tr 
torn of the Sea, as that the Soul may live, 
and profper by any thing, either Provider*- 
ces, or Ordinances, without feeding upon 
Chrift in them. 

(3 .) There needs no other food, Joh. 6< 
$5, For myftifb is meat indeed, andrrty blood 
. is drink indeed. And as all the fWeetrieft, 
defirablenefs, and matter of nourifhment thtft 
is in the meat, is for the health, and well- 
fare of the Body : So whatever is in Chrift, 
and whatever Chrift is, (and Chrift is altoge- 
ther lovely ) quant *i 9 quant ui eft, aft is rdr 
the life and health, ftrtdgth artd pnoif^rity 

N 4 ». of 



[i8 4 ] 

pf the Soul. Job. 10. 10. It is faid, He came 
into the World, that is to live, and dye in 
the World, to do and fuffer, what was to be 
fione, and fuflered, that dead Souls might 
live, and living Souls have life in abiuit 
dance ; that is, might live, and profper. 
L Whether we cojifider Chrift in his Per? 
ion, or in his Offices, we lhall fee in both, 
that there, and tHere alone, foojl i$ to be had 
for our Souls. 

. Before I mention either of thefe, J ftiall 
firft Jay before you this Propofition. 

That whatfoeyer may encourage a doubt- 
ing Sinner, experimentally under clear qon : 
yi&ions, that there is no poffibility of Sat- 
uration, in ^n Unregeneratc fta$e, and fully 
Jatisfieth him, that all Salvation is to be had 
in Chrift, and without him, no Salvation at 
Jill ; whatfoever I fay, may encourage fuc(i 
£ Perfon, under great ijncertainties, whether 
jChrift will accept of him, or no, tq come 
unto him, to caft himfelf down at the foot 
ftool of his grace, into the arms of his mer- 
py, to depend upon him, and abide in hiip. 
for all, that njay giye him q, Title to, and ? 
fitqefe for Heayen. And 
."" (2"3 Whatever; may eftafrlifh fuch 3 Per- 
son, having thus adyentured his Eternal e- 
flate in the hands of Chrift, in a good hope, 
prpugh grace, that he ihall receive fiich help 
#)d affilkncQiram the Spirit pf Chrift, tfiat 

. . ' ■ to 



• •*. 



he {hall perfevcre unto the end, both in the 
Jpve that God bears unto him, and in the 
grape that he hath wrought in him, fo as 
the good work begun in him, {hall be per- 
fected : Where that is to be found which hath 
an influence into all this ; there, certainly, 
food is to be had, for the life, health, and 
profperity of our Souls. This needs no 
proof, ye will all aflent to it. 
. Now, that all this is to be found in Chrift, 
and in him alone, will appear, whether we 
coafider him in his Perfon, or in his Offi- 
ces. 

(i.) In his Perfon, as God and Man in 
one Perfon. This is the great myftery of 
Godlinefe, as hath been, heretofore, at large 
opened unto you, from i Tim 3. 1 6, Of all 
Gofpel-myfteries, this is the greateft. That * 
a loll finner ihould have fuch a Saviour, 
that is as verily Map, as God, and as verily 
God, as Man. That the Divine and Hu- 
man Nature, that were, at firft, at fuch a 
diftance, ihould meet in one perfon. The 
ferious confideratioh of this, hath much of 
Spiritual nourtfhment in it. It will appear 
to be fq, when we fcpve weighed thele two 
things. 

(1.) What the work was, which Chrift 
same into the World to do. It was to be 
? Mediatour between God, and Man. A 
Wiiatpur of Rscoof iiiation between a moft 

;w ' ' * ' ft*. 



; **' : [t8rf] 

lioly God, moft highly provoked ? and Re- 
bellious Tinners, Hill continuing in their pro* 
Vocation. This was his great work, chit 
was upon his hands, % C*r. f. 1 9, 7b wit, 
that God was in Chrift, reconciling the mtU 
onto himfelfy net imputing their tr*Jp«£bs wrt$ 
them. 

(i.) That this affords gneat eoeoaragfr 
tpent, fo to come to Omit* as being, Upoft 
this account, able to fave to the utterffloft 
Hereby we fee, that what he either did, of 
fuffered, though but in his human Nature 
though but for a little while, the whole time 
of his continuing vifibly in the World, being 
but 33 years (rather to fpeak exa&ly , but 
31 years, and a half) wa9 of infinite value 
and efficacy ; which did arife from the Um- 
on of his two Natures ; becaufe the Per too, 
though in the form of a Mart, Was the migfcf- 
ty God, that Did fuch things, and Suffertd 
Inch things. Now this is a great relief w 
Faith; yea fuch may be the temptation, that 
* humbled firmer may be under, that m- 
thing elfe can lelieve, or afford any nourish- 
ment, fo much (as we ufetofey ) to keep 
Life, and Soul together. For fuppofe this 

yrl^LftS? of a godfy Mimfter in this 
1 CoufttyjWhadyedbwthfclaft 

Summer. I had the Relation of it frofli 
fajmtfelf; who was> for & time, k* a great Ago- 
ny. 



[i8 7 ] 

ny, and this was bis temptation ; Why, feid 
Confcience ( and Satan too, who ftood be- 
hind the Curtain) Thy fins defer ve an in* 
finite punilhment, for thou haft finned a* 
gainft an infinite God, and thou deferveft 
EternaL death. And that Chrift, in whom 
thou tnjfteft, be being Man, and fuffering 
only in his human Nature, he could fuffer 
only that which is finite. And the time of 
his fufiering was but fhort. How then can 
he by fufiering fo fliort a time, deliver from 
infinite fufiering, and Eternal death ? This* 
as he told me, was the temptation that lay 
upon him, and how he was relieved. Even 
dins ; The Lord brought it to his remem- 
brance, and fet it home with a Divine im* 
preffion upon his Spirit; That though Chrift 
fuflered only in his Human Nature ; and 
though therefore all his fuffer ings were but 
finite; yet became the Human Nature was 
United, in one Peribn,to the Divine Nature; 
hence, what the Human Nature did foffer, 
though but for a. time, was of fufficiefit va- 
lue to ranfome from Eternal death. In faeh 
? eafcyoothing eife could have done it. No- 
thing elfe can fupport any Soul, in fuch * 
condition. But this may, and this will, if 
believed, and Wrought upon the heart, that 
theLord hath laid btif upon $ne th*t untight 

er.FfaL8o.xo. 

.»■■■' 

a. Confidec 



[i88] 

2. Confider Chrift, in his Offices. 

(i.) In his Prieftly Office. He is a great 
Higb-Prieft, Heb. 4. 14. Great, both in it* 
fpect of bis Satisfaction, and of his Interact 
ion ; which are the two fpecial parts of his 
Prieftly Office. From both which, much 
Spiritual Food, for the nourifhment of the 
Soul, unto the higheft degree of profperity 
it is capable of, may be received. 

1. From the fatisfa&ion he bath made, to 
the juftice of God, for all the wrong that 
fin hath done him, by the facrifice which |i 
he offered, which was Himfelf, unto death. 
With this j God was well pleafed, Eph. 5*. i. 
And for this, he fliall fee the Souls of all his 
Seed toprofper, Ifa. $y io. Hereby bit 
flejb became meat indeed , and his ikod 
drink indeed. This clearly manifests, that 
Chrift is fuch an objeft for Faith to reft 
upon,as we may fafely adventure our Eternal 
(late upon. For let any Man conceive him- 
jfelf in as fad a condition, as the fears, of an 
awakened Confcience can fuggeft. Suppofe 
he fees the guilt of all his fins before him, 
with all their aggravating circumftanccs, 
?nd apprehends God coming out againft 
him, to require fatisfa&ion, to his juftice, 
for them all This is a dreadful fight, but in 
the midft of all the heighth, and depth of 
that terrour, which this may hriprefs upon 
his Spirit; if God give in a fight of Chrift, 

\* m >z u$ 



; the great High-Prieft, as he made his 
oul an Offering for fin; this is enough to 
raw forth an hearty a& of dependence up- 
n him, as able to fave to the uttermoft. 
'his fupported David, when he was in great 
epths, that he had a fight of him, that in 
be Lord was plenteous Redemption, F/*/. 
p. i, x. with 'verf. 6, 7. This was die re- 
ief of the hunger-bitten Prodigal, That in 
is Fathers bouje was bread enough, Luk. 1 $1 
7. And it was the fpeech or a gracious 
toman, of whom I have heard not long 
ince, that upon her Death-bed, beingvuir- 
ler great uncertainties, as to her Eternal 
ondition. Did not ye teB me 3 faid (he/ to 
hofe that flood by her, that the Hood ofje- 
us Chrift cleanfetb from all fini? And with 
hat her Spirit Revived, and ihe ilept iweet- 
Y in the Lord, This, indeed, may well fa- 
isfie Confciencc, for it fatisfies God hirafelf; 
ft$ fo far fatisfie Confcience as to go bold- 
y to the Throne of Grace, for what grace* r 
3r mercy foever is neceflary, for the life, 
ind health, well-fare, and profperity of the 
Soul, Hel. 4. 1 6, Let us therefore come bold- 
ly to the Throne of Grace, that we may ob+ 
tain, mercy, and find [grace to help in time of 
need. 

a; As from Chrifts fatisfaftion, which he 
made to the juftice of God, whUft He was 
upon Earth }fo from the other adt of his 

. Prieft- 



* 



.c* 



Pricftly Office, his Interceflicn which' h 
inakes in Heaven for Tinners, much Spin 
tual Food for the nourilhment of our Soul 
may be had. What ftionld hinder the it 
ccivingof it, but our daily repeated failings 
and often renewed infirmities i But agaurf 
the guilt of thefe, Chrift's appearing in Hd 
ven for us, prevails that even when th 
Law is broken, the Covenant is not broken 
fb that what Food for out Seals may be hn 
from the Covenant ( and there it is all tob 
had, ifoh.z. i,x> If any Man fin, me htn 
an Advocate with the Father, even Jefiu Cbrij 
the righteous. And Be is the propitiation f$ 
our fins. ) His interceflion is as effectual J 
his latisfodioh, for he intercedes in the mc 
rits of his blood* Heh. 1 2. X4, the ihodt 
Cbrifi fpeaketb. 

x. To fbew further, that all in Chrift i 
for the food and nottriihment of the Sod 
much, yea very much may be&id of thai 
which his Kingly Office affords* and likewii 
bis Prophetical Office; 

For his Kingiy Office, he hath art abfofut 
Sovereignty over all* both Men, and DttA 
Efk 1. xii, ix. Far ahveatt trincifalitit 
and PowerSi&c. He hath all things undt 
his feet. He is head wet all things; to h 
Church. Understand k of the Invifihl 
Church efpedafiy, which is his Myftfcal ft 
dy, whereof hi is the head. Efkj.±$ $ Ft 

ti 



[«9i] 

the Hushand is the bead of the Wife, even as 
CkriSi is the bead tf the Church : And he 
is the Saviour of the Body. This is foil of 
Spiritual Food. I will ioftance only in three 
things, by which the profperity of the Soul 
is exceedingly farthered. 

(i .) As & hath power over Satan. This 
affords great relief to a confli&ing Soul, that 
he both can, and will break the Serpents 
head, and tread him under foot, Rom. 1 6. 
%o. That in Manlim is memorable to this 
purpofe, Satan (as he tells the ftory) appear- 
ed to a godly Man that was fick^n the habit 
of a Prieft, with Pen, Ink, and Paper in 
ills hands, and told him that he mud confefe 
all his Sins to hifti, he would write them 
down, and then he would abfolve him. 
The Sick Man was ftricken with fear (and no 
lftarvd)but recolle&ing himfelf, and percei J 
Viflg who he was ; If thou wilt write,faith he, 
write this fir ft, The feed of the woman (hall 
break the Serpents head, and with that, ch& 
Devil vanifhed- 

(2.) As he hath Sovereignty over the 
Heart. He can take away the heart offline, 
and give an heart ef flejh^ Ezek. 36. %6. A 
great relief this* when the Soul is mourn- 
ing over the hsrdiiefs of his heart, to re* 
member that Chrift is exalted to be a Prince* 
to give Repentance, A&. 5.31. 

{$.) As be hath the Keys of Hell, and 

* Death, 



Death, Rev. i] 18. A great relief to atrou* 
bled Soul, that is under the fear, firft of 
Death ; and then of dropping into Hell, when 
he is dead. Thofe that have obeyed, the 
call, and are (till obeying the call of Chrift; 
they (hall none of them dye, till it be bet- 
ter for them to dye then to live, for death 
is theirs, i Cor. 3.22. And for dropping in- 
to Hell, Chrift hath fecured them againft 
that, 7^.6.39,40. Every one that believeth 
on him fliall have Everlafting life, and Chrift. 
will raife him up at the laft day* 

3. The Prophetical Office of Chrift, is 
likewife a fruitful, food-bearing Office He 
is engaged by Office, to, make all his Seed 
wife unto Salvation, Ifa.$%> 13 , AUthyChiL 
drenfhall le taught of Go J. And he is faith- 
ful, who hath promiled it, 1 J oh. z. 17, But 
the anointing which ye have received of hm s 
abideth in you : ana ye need not that any Man 
teach you, but as the fame anointing teacheth 
you of all things, and is truth, and is no lye* 
j oh. 17.26, I have declared unto them, thy, 
Name, and mil declare it. 

This affords fweet, refrefliing riouriftp 
ment, I will inftance only in two Cafes. 

1 • When many things are heard, fome- 
thing at one time, and fomething at ano- 
ther from the word. And it may be fome- 
thing at this time, whic« not underftood, 
at leaft, not fo underfto J5#s thai the .heart 




f «- 



is aflc&ed with iti . Here is relief to be had ; 
he can, and undertakes to teach the heart, 
jfer. Z4- 7, ^ind I will give them an heart to 
know me,- — for they /hall return unto me, with 
their whole heart.- Xhus he taught DMvid, 
PfaK j 1. 6r+-In the hidden part, thou /halt 
Wake me to know wifdom. : 

(x.) When a Pcrfbn walkes in darknefe, 
under many fad fears, whether ever the foun- 
dation be well laid for $oul-profpenty, whe- 
ther ever he were brought into aitate of 
Union with Chrift* fo as to receive the fir ft 
. principles of Spiritual life from him. Here 
from this Office of Chrift, which is to re- 
: vfeal his Father's mind, in all things that we 
are concerned to know, there is relief to be 
. tod, Job. 1 4. 1 j> f—butyefee me. They were 
in Chrift, their Union was begun, but they 
did not knovfr it ; but Chrift undertakes, fo 
as they will leave it to him, to take his 
own time, that one day they fhali know 

it. 

Thus I have fhewed yew more ;largely, 
then at firft I intended : That there needs 
no food for the Soul to feed upon, fo as to 
profper, but Chrift alone* For as all that is 
nourifliing in the meat, is for the health and 
well-fare of the Body ; (ball that is in Chrift, 
is for the health, and welkfare of the SouL 
1 have very few words more to fpeak 

*o? 



Ml 



^v 



4* Of the fourth and kft Point. Some- 
thing by way of dire&ion : How to feed 
upon this food, fo as to receive -that nouriflj- 
ment, which our Souls Hand in need of. I 
fliall only mention thefe four Particu- 
lars* \ 
(i.) We are to -apply our felves to this 
Spiritual food, with a Spiritual appietitd 
Natural life defires Natural food. Appetite 
unto it, is called Hunger, as it defires meat, 
and Thirft as it defires drink. So it ought 
to be, where there is Spiritual* life, after this 
Spiritual food, wherein we have both Spirj- 
" tuil meat, and Spiritual drink, ft>b. & #, 
' For my fle/h is meat indeed, and my Hood Hi 
^ drink indeed. And our appetite after; it 
■ ought to be quick, and ftroqg f We fhoulil 
be able to fay as Ija. 16. 9, With my Soul hem 
/* dtfired thee in the night i and with my Sph 
rit voiU Ifeek thee early, i.e. I "have moft 
affe&ionately deflred thee, in my : moft re- 
tired thoughts, and fo I refolve to do. That's 
the fcnfe : For when the Soul is 'laid to do 
that, which nothing elfe but the Soul data 
do^ it imports the 1 ltrongeft and higheft aA- 
ings of the Soil in doing in -Now, though 
that which hath been faid already might be 
-. fuiHcient thus to atticken this appetite. That 
there is no other food for our Soiils but this; 
That they muft feed upon it, or v ffejrvej Ytt 
I fhali farther add this .• That we delibe- 
- v - rately 



rately coofider with our felves, What wbrk 
God requires of us, every day ; and that wp* 
labour, with our hearts, to do it as we 
ought. The work of every day i£ great,' 
in refpe& of the inward exercifes of grace; 
when hot clothed with any outward duty : 
As> To live by faith : To fanftifie God. ini 
bur hearts : To walk in the fear of the Lord r 
And when we awake, to be ft ill with God £ 
fetting the Lord always before us, &c The 
external work of every day, is great alfo : 
The duties ofRdigi6ii : The duties of our 
particular Callings, and Relations; All t hefe 
ought to be done, fo as to approve the fin* 
Cetity of our hearts to God, and find afccep 
tance with his Majefty. 2 Con 5. 9, Where* 
fore we labour, that whether prefent y or ulfent\ 
ive may ie accepted of him. The Apoftle 
fpeaks of kfafhras^ that he laboured earned- 
ly in his Prayers, Col. 4. tx. And we are re- 

2uired, To do With our might, what/bever bkfr 
andfindeth ib do, Ecclef. 9. 10. Now h&td 
labour gets a Mail a ftomach, makes hirfl 
both hungry, and thirfty. It will do fo, hi 
a fpiritual fcnfe, when we fet bur felves td 
make fortiething of Religidn : To work, fend 
walk With God every day, a$ Wfe ought | 
wc fliall be eVeri conftr&ricd td cry but; 
Who is fufficierit for thefe things i We fhall 
fee, we need more fpiritual food, fbr th£ 
bourifhing, and ftfetigthenidg of our Souls; 

o % tito 



[i 9 6] 

Tfhis will quicken our fpiritual Appetite af- 
ter Chrift, That we may be more and more 
lengthened in our inward Man by bis Spirit, 
Eph. 3'. 1 6. That we may be Strong in the 
tlordyundin the power of his might, Eph. 6. 1 c. 
(2.) That in applying our felves to this 
food, we manage the matter for our Souls, 
asdifcreet perfonsdo, in making provisions 
for their Families, when the Market-day 
comes : They confider whether there be 
Bread-corn enough in Jthe Houfe, or whe- 
ther any thing elk that is necefiary be wan- 
ting ; and fo, according to their ability, they 
provide. So ought we to do in this cafe, 
we ought to conhder what our Souls (land 
moft in need of, that they may profper. 
Some days we may find, we moft of all waat 
ftrength againft one corruption ; fome days 
more ilrength againft another* Some days 
we ftand in more need of one grace, and 
^me times of another : fuppole of Faith, or 
Repentance, Meeknefs or Patience ; and ac- 
cordingly we ought to apply our felves to 
our fpiritual food, the Lord Jefus, for nou- 
rishment, and ftrength in that particular. 
Chrift expe&s this, that we ihould be fen- 
fible of our particular wants : We read LuL 
18.35, 36. that a blind Man hearing that 
Chrift pafled by that way, eryed out, Have 
mercy upon me $ Son of David* And verf. 40, 

41. Chrift asks him, whtf lie would, that 

he 



[i97l V 

he (hould do unto him. Chrift knew what 
he would defire ; but he would have him 
to particularize his wants. Thus we ought 
to apply our fclves to Chrift, with a fenfe 
of what we want in particular. And be* 
caufe ( as I told you ) all in Chrift is forae 
way or other, for our fpiritual food, both 
Chrift in his Perfon, and Chrift in his OfEh 
ces : We (hould apply our felves to that in 
Chrift, which may moft of all relieve our 
faith in feeking after that particular fupply, 
winch, for the prefent, we fee we peed, whe- 
ther it be in hi? Perfon, or in his Offices, ei- 
ther as Prieft, or Prophet, or King. When 
we know there is fuch a thing in fucha 
Cupboard, when we gp to it, the next way 
to find what we feek tar, is to go to the Box, 
wherein it is. 

(3.) What difpenfation foever we are un- 
der ; what mercy foever we have received, 
or are receiving ; what crofs foever we ate 
exercifed withal, or is likely to come upon 
us; what Ordinances foever # we addrefs our 
felves to God in, we may fpsead thcmatttr 
before God, and tell him our cafe, and 6ur 
dependence upcfh him ; and pray moft for 
the fprinkling of the blood of Chrift upon 
all, that for die merit of his blood, it may 
be blefled unto us, fo as it may affbr^ fopie 
. fpiritual nourifhment for our Souls; thfc pofo» 
er of his Holy Spirit working with them, 

O 3 ttxi 



and in them, and by them. It is he alone 
that teacheth to profit, Ifa. 48* 17. DjW 
knew this, and therefore he prayed, That he 
might feel the power of God in all, Ffat. 6i, 

if *» 3 • 

[4 J Do this daily, as the matter require? ; 
Nature wih^decay, if not daily repaired. 
The, Egyptian who' had eaten nothing for 
rliree days, and three nights, was faint, but 
.when he had eaten, his foirit came to him, 
x Sam.io. ix. So it will be with the new 
"Nature, as Rev, 3. z- The things that are 
.reaoV to dye, if not fed with frelh fupplies, 
fhU. i.'io. ft was a fore affliction, which 
made the Church forget to eat her bread, 
'TfaKioz. 4. It is fpme ftrong corruption, 
that makes us forget our fpiritual bread, as 
fchey cUcl forget their retting place, Jer, 50.6. 

I conclude all with tbi?. Our needs, if 
we £e fenfible of them, we cannot but ac- 
SpowJedge, are very great, eyery day. That 
jnyjta.tiqn, and encouragement. is for every 
8gy, which we have, rrov. '9. f, .Come, eat 
tffity Ireland drink of my, wine ;, £nd Can*. 
J. 1 \,EatO y friends, drink, yea drink abundant- 
. IjyQ'belovecl. Therefore, come and eat eve.- 
E /cay, as we defiretjiat every day our Souls 
'jjioblp'profpet. -'" ■!.' 

■:. Mil/'' .'.".-;■:,■ ' . . ' 

''"''} * SERMON 



I «99 J 



•r. 



S E R M O N IX, 




A Third thing which I fhall take no- 
tice of, as neceflary for the health 
and well-fare of the Body, which 
I intend now ( as the Lord fhall 
affift ) to apply to the Point in hand, is this ; 
That we be well clothed. God hath given to 
every living Creature fome kind of clothing,) 1 .» 
or other : Even to the Birds of the Airland 
the Beafts of the Field. They could not en- 
dure the extremity either of heat, or cold* 
without it. jSdam and Eve when they 
were at firft created, needed no clothing, 
but their own innocency ; when they need- 
ed it, God provided it for them, before they- 
did for themfelves, Gen. 3.22. Cold, if ex- 
tream, is very prejudicial to Man's health, 
and may be lo to his life. Paul reekoneth 
it among his great fufferings, 2 Cor. 1 1. 27, 
—in cold* andnakednefs. Therefore up arid* 
down in the Scripture, we find it fpoketfi^ 
as a commendable aft of charity Xo cloth the* 
naked, Ifa. 58. 7. Aft. 9. 30. 

This fc one -thing then we ought fpecial* 
ly to mind, as ever we defire our. Souls 

O 4 fhould 



[ioo] 

-. ftould profper, that (as the Apoftle feith, 
% Cor. jr. 3. ) we may not be found naked* 
Now, the Scripture tells us, what the Gar* 
^stnentiS) wherewith the Soul that profpers, 
muft be clothed, Rev. 19.8, And it was grot- 
ted unto her (the Bride, the Lamb's Wife J 
that Jbe fhoald be arrayed in fine linnen y than 
and white : for the fine linnen is the righte- 
oufnefs of the Saints. This fine Linnen, this 
Righteoufnefs (&K0^af* ^ cvyivv ) comes 
under a double con ft deration. 

1. The Righteoufnefs which is wrought 
1 for the Soul by Jefus Chrtft himfelfj in his 

A i town Perfon, and is imputed to every Be- 

Jsliever. 

^' 2. The Righteoufnefs that is wrought in 
the Soul, by the Spirit of Chrift, and is in» 
herent in every new Creature, The one 
may be called, The outer garment, the other, 
The- inner garment of the heart* So far as 
the Soul is clothed with this double garment 
of Righteoufnefs, fo far it profpers, and no 
farther. 

Something muft be (aid to each of thefe. 
1. Of that garment of Righteoufnefs, 
which Chrilt hath wrought for the SouL 
This is that JVhite garment Rev. 3. 18. / 
oounfel thee to buy of me^^wbite raiment ^ 
that thou mayeft be clothed. This is the oil- 
Jy garment that gives a title to Heaven, 
if a. 61,10, IwUgtttfly re Joyce in the Lor d x 



my Simljkaffh jeyfidin my God> fir he bath 
tlotbejmc ***b *** garments tffahatien, be 
hath covered me with the rehe of righteenf, 
nefe. This is oot like Sant$ Armour, that 
was not fit for David \ k wilt fit {every Soul, 
chat really feck the want of it, and indeed, 
ind in truth, is willing to put it on ; and 
therefore, we are exhorted, Rom. i }. 14, T§ 
tot en the Lard Jeftu Cbrift* 

In profceuting of this Point, a few words 
to each of thefe Particulars* 

1. Confider the materials whereof this 
'arment is made. 

i. That it is of tbfolute necefiity that it 
x put on, elfe the Soul cannot profper. 

3 . How it is to be put on. 

4. What influence it hath into Soul«pro£ 
perity, when it is put on. 

(x.) For the firft of thefe, the materials 
whereof it is made, briefly thus. It is fife 
Obedience of Chrift, as Mediatour, in doings 
ind fuffering what God the Father appoint 
ted, and which he accepts in the behall of all 
thole, who are clothed with it ; 16 as, upon 
that account, they are delivered from the 
entente of Eternal Death, which thev had 
righteoufly deferved ; and are accepted as 
•ighteous, unto Eternal Life, of which they 
vere utterly unworthy. 

Obferve then thefe two things. 

1. That God the Father accepts it, as full 

and 



■A 



*w< 



&h& perfe& fatisfoftiort to his Jufti 
vibst ^ver > w& appointed for thteHi to- ft 
by Way<tf puAMeot;itatf cfirie for fin. 

fe&id, I Fto^t&lMt*Gkrijl iris own 



Ure 'our pi & Ms WifyfrtVlfc tree. 



raniftafew rf*d^cu¥fe due fe^; "With 
God the flatter is well pleafed, fo that 
Sentence ^OoridemAattoh fliall never 
executed upon the Sotal that is clothed \ 
it. Arid fhis he accepteth as a valu 
confideratipn for all the -wrong that t 
fins have done - bidi, Rfh* 4. 3 % ,- — forgv 
one another, even as God, for ChriJFs J 
hath forgive* you. It is* (aid, 1 Pet^S. 
love to our Brethren cavers a wultituc 
fins. /. e. It doth not ftri&ly take notia 
but in filence pafleth by many failing 
others ; efpecially thofe that concern 
felvesV Bttt" this covers All, fo that no 
tiee is taken of them, fo as ( according 
the fentehce of the Law ) to curfe, and < 
demn fafch -S Soul, Jer. 50. io, .In thofe c 
tod at thaP time, faith the Lond,jbaB the 
yuity oflfokd itefoghifor, and there (ha 
none, an A the fins flfjudah, and they fhah 
lejbnriJ; fbr IHbiJl pa f dm them whom 1 
ferve. [ -The book is crofsJd, all the h 
bill^ thatbrherwife would liavdbeen broi 
in againft it, whereof it could not have 
fwered one of a thoufand ( /. e. none at 
is crofied. Well then might David 



[io 3 ] 

! PfaL$x. \ 9 Bleffedis the Man vohofe iniquity 
: is covered. 

x, God accepts it, in the behalf of all 
thofe that are clothed with it, for all that 
is required by way of perfeft obedience to 
the Moral Law. . Jt is (aid, Rom. 10:^ Chrift 
is the end of the Law, for righteoufnefs* Chriftj 
u e. Chrift, and his Righteoufnefs is the 
end of the Law, /. e. the perfection of the 
Law. Now the end of the Law was, to in- 
vert thofe that perfectly fulfilled it, with a 
Jtjghteoufnefs that would give a true right; 
and title to Eternal Life. But this the Law 
cannot do, by ireafon of Mans weaknefej 
being utterly unable to fulfil it ; fo that it is 
become a killing Letter, the miniftration of 
death, and condemnation, z Cor. \.6,y. Now 
Jefus Chrift by hi? obedience, hath brought 
about this perfection of the Law, perfectly 
fulfilling the Righteoufnefs, which the Law 
required ; for love is the fulfilling of the 
Law, Now Jefus Chrift loved the Lord with 
all his heart, and with all his might, and his 
neighbour as himfejfc He failed not in the 
lealt of what was due either to the one, or 
the other. This he did, and none but he 
could do it : For though one finful a& in 
thought, in word,- or deed, did break the 
Law, yet it is not. fulfilled, hut by perfeft 
conformity .unto it ; . and fiich a cdnformity 
(here was iq the obedience of Chrift, joL 

8.29. 



[*°4] 

8. %y^—Ido always thofe things that pleafc 
him. 

This is the firft Particular. The Mate- 
rials whereof this garment of Righteouf- 
fiete is made ; with which, if the Soul be not 
clothed, it cannot profper, as we fhall fee by 
and by. 

• z. The Soul that is not clothed with this 
Righteoufnefs, cannot, while it remains fo, 
poflibly ever be in a capacity of prospering. 
For (in hath made fuch a dreadful breach 
between God and Sinners, that he (lands 
upon this : That though he will have mer- 
cy upon whom he will have mercy ; the 
motive is only from the good pleafure of 
his own Will. Eternal Life, with all that 
is antecedent to it, and preparative for it, is 
his own gift: : Yet, I fay, God is abfolutely 
lefolved upon this, that he will have hk 
Juftice Satisfied for all the wrong that fin 
hath done him. He hath alio magnified his 
Law, and made it honourable, $r. 41. xi. 
Therefore he will have all the demand^pf 
the Law fully anfwered ; and obedience there- 
unto perfectly fulfilled ; elfe no Spiritual 
good mall be given forth to any Soul, fo as 
to make it live, much lefs to profoer, Ifa. 59. 
a, Tour iniquities have feparated ietween you y 

and your Go J. Jer. f. %$, your fins have 

mtb-botdeu good things from you. Now this 
is done, by Chrift's Righteoufnefs alone. 

There* 



[zos] 

Therefore, it is of abfolute neceffity that it 
)e put on,elie the Soul cannot profper. 

3. The Garment of Rightebufnas is put 
)n, only by a believing Soul, Rom. 3. xx^ 
Even the righteoufnefs of God y which is by 
aitb of Jefus Chrift, unto ail y and upon aff 
'hem that believe. 

(1.) Upon every believing Soul, that bfc* 
ng acquainted with the way of God,in bring- 
ing Sintiers into a (late of grace, and mercy 5 
ind knowing that God is juft, and Righte- 
dus, as Well as Merciful ; knows that he can- 1 
not find acceptance with God, but he mud 
be righteous, Hab. 1. 13, Thou art of purer 
'yes then to behold evil — * * 

(2.) Upon every Soul that knows, that 
every righteoufnefs -will not ferve the turn; 
but it muft be fuch, as the pure eyes of th6 
glorious Majefty of God can fee no defect 
in, Gal. 3. 1 1 , That no wan is juflified by the 
Law, in the fight of God, it is evident. 

Q) Ufjon every Soul that knows and be- 
wails the imperfection of his own righte* 
oflhels ; and knows he hath reafon to do 
fo ; though he were fare he had as much of 
all the graces that accompany Salvation, as 
ever Abraham, or Ifaac, or Jacob had. If 
this were all, this Soul knows, it would not 
avail him to (land before the Righteous God. 
No, his infinite wrath would come upon 
him, for all that, and confume him, Job 1 j. 

14. 



14, What is Man, that he Jhould be clean \ of 
he that is born of a fVoman^ that he Jhould be 
righteous ? 1 Sam. 6. 20, Who is able toftand 
before this hfily Lord Godi 

(4.) A Soul that knows all this in ibmo 
mealure, and that the Righteoufnefe is fuch 
a Righteoufnefs as God will accept of, and 
{0 adventures his Eternal ftate upon the me- 
rits thereof; refolving, fadwever Chrift deal 
with him, in his ftrength, to keep fall his 
bold there, and to live add dye adhering un- 
to, and depending upon him* This Rights 
oufnefs is upon every fuch a believing-SouL 
This Faith ([though it may be more then a 
believing Soul knows ) hath put on this 
righteoufnefs, therefore it is called, The righ- 
teoufnefs of faith, Phil. <$• 9; The fins of a 
Believer are put upon Ghrift s account* and 
Chrift's righteoufnefs upon his, 2. Cor. ;« 
21, Faith being the only grace that receives 
it, as being peculiarly fitted for it ; for no 
Man wa§ ever accepted as righteous before 
God for that, >diich he did himfelf ; but by 
receiving that ; which Chrift did for hlb. 
And Faith is the only receiving grace. Love 
lays out, but Faith receives*^. 1. 1», To 
-4$ many as received him> &c 4 
" 4* The clothing of the Soul with this 
Righteoufnefs, hath a gtfeat influence into 
Soul profperity. For confider, 

t. This is that Righteoufnefs alone, that 

aftfwers 



anfwcrs all* -doubts, and fears, for want: 6T 
fuch a righte&rfhefs, as mightr-give accept 
tance with God, as to Eternal Life, fo at 
to that, how vile ftwver the^ tiave judged 
ihemfelves, yet being dbtRed with it,.they 
ftand without blanTe-'beforeGdd,'^/* i. **■; 
■lathe Bodyof bisjkjb through diath, t&pre- 
fint you BofyyOmdwihtnea^^ dkdunreprov- 
able in his:fi$bt; -This' atone fitfcfies Con* 
fcience ;• and well it may, for it fatisfies Go| 
himlelf. In-thii, aiLthe Scripture-Saints 1 , 
in all Ages, hive reded, being {lotted with 
it. A&abam before the Law-}<$»to. 4. Z>*. 
?> */, under the Law, ^A^iir/Ufdl Pautim- 
der;theGolpeliPii/^3.9.J .hsrigrw ..■• rj 
%. This is that ! garment *foMej/in.whleti 
.there may be aco|is> with bcSdrtefs^ intoJgfte 
^fence of Gofl/even at thcJaftxlav, !»?&. 

-*. $8, ^m/ imw^UttUChildnm, abide inbini, 

'tput when be fialkdppeati toe may have co#- 

-fJejice, and nof'iwtifiamediiafwt'hm, at his 

dining. Therefore ;mubhtectf8fothis dd£, 

Effa 3. ii,: lit wbotH toe 6J&0I Mdneft, ami 

aeeefs with confidence, by M&tfaiib of him. 

For this is a Righteoufnefs wherewith' ( we 

may warrantably (ay fo) Gqd is more high*- 

ly pleafed, and whkh (of the two) finds 

: more acceptance in Heaven; {heir the" fighter 

rpufnefs of the blefled Angels, that never fin* 

ned. For theft's is but the righteoufnefs of 

a Creature $ This is the Righteoufnels of 

God, 



Oo8] . 

God, for. %p 6,— This is bis Same where* 
ty bejkall he tailed, The Lord ear Rigbteonf 
mefi. 

3, This is Ever lofting rigbteonfnefs, Dan. 
9. 14. In this, Chrift ever hath appeared* 
and ever will appear in Heaven, in behalf of 
all thofe* that come to God by him ; and 
remains ftill of the feme Eternal efficacy, 
for the applying, and forth-giving of all the 
price of his Blood, all that thereby is par 
chafed, for the health, well-fare, perfect and 
Eternal profperity of the Soolji fob.xa, Jbd 
he is the propitiation for our fins, ^Sc, . 

Now lay all thefc together* and let them 
be well weighed, and it will be granted, be* 
caufe it will be found, that when once the 
Soul comes to have any degree of good note, 
through grace, of its intereft in it, and rait 
it is clothed with it, that Soul Will egfieri* 
mentally find, that this, above alt thktgs 
etie, hath apowerful influence into its fpiri- 
tual well«f«B, uafld profperity. For this 
keeps life itf\ fittthV and heart in hope ; and 
enables the Sob! to live in the exerche of 
them both, and in the exerche of Rened- 
' tance, and keeps the heart warm with love 
to Chrift. In the exerche of which graces 
( as hath been (hewed ) Soul-profperity doth 
confift, and is much promoted, 1 fob.$. 3, 
And every one that bath this hope* purtfietb 
bimfe(f, as he is pure* Zech. 1*. 10, / teHl 

powre 



l*o 9 ] 

fomre — theffirit of grace> 4nd fupplicatiotti 
and they fhall look oh him, whom they have 
pierce J, and they Jball mourn for him % — Luk. 
7* 4jr-Herfms $ which are many, areforgu 
vendor Jhe loved much* % Cor. $. 14, 1 5, For 
the love of Chrift confiraineth us,&c. 

Therefore, as ever we defire that our Souls 
fhould profper, let us be much in the medk 
tation of the Materials whereof the garment 
of this Righteoufneis is made, that we may 
diftin&ly underftand it ; and let every hum- 
bled Sinner, wreftling againft the workings 
of his unbelief, and making out after an in* 
tereft in Chrift, adventure to apply it, and to 
receive it, as that which is freely offered un- 
to him, Rev. xx. 1 7, And the Spirit, and the 
Bride fay, Come : and let. him that heareth, 
fay ', Come. And let him that is athirfi^ Come ; 
andwhofoever willy let him take the Water 
of life freely. And fo put it on, though by 
a weak and trembling faith ; and continue 
(till to do it, that fo in due time, when the 
only-wife God fees it beft for us, we may 
know we have it. This is the way to find 
reft to our Souls. 

For cqnfider but thefe two things. 

(1.) That as the imputation of Adams 
fin, was the original of all ungodlinels, and 
the undoing ot all our Souls ; fo the impu* 
tation of this Righteoufnefs to the Soul, and 
the clothing of the Soul with it, is the ori~ 

P ginal 



|>I0] 

ginal of all the principles of godlinefs, which 
■. are the life, and profperity of the Soul ; for 
. by the merit of his death, Chrift purchafed 

• them all; and by his interceffion, and plead- 
' ing this, he applyeth them all. 

(2.) Confider this : That it is as great, 
■ yea and greater fatisfa&ion to Chrift him- 

• felf , to fee an humbled, confli&ing Soul 
: receive it, put it on, apply it, and plead 

it, for what grace and mercy foever it 
ftands. in need of ; I fay it is a greater 
fatisfa&ion to Chrift himfelf to fee fueha 

•Soul do it, then it is to the Sowl it felf, 
that doth it ; though he know he hath done 

: it* fo as is accepted, Ifa. 53. 1 r, He Jballftt 

• of the travail of his Sou/, and be fatisfal 
. He accounts all the travails of his Soul, all 

his fufferings, all his obedience to the Law 

fatisfied for, in this. 

And thus much of that Garment of Righ- 

teoufnefs which is wrought for the Soul, by 
: Chrift himfelf. 

2. The Soul that profpers tfiuft be do- 
;thed with the Garment bf Righteoufhefs, 

wrought in the Soul, by the Spirit of Chrift. 

The righteoofnefs wrought in the Soul, is 

"the fame with that which is called Saving 
-grace, and true holinefs. It is called Rigb- 

• teoufnefs, becaufe it is the impreflion ofGod's 
Righteoufnefs upon the Soul, in theater- 

•cife whereof, the Soul works ujito God, as 

the 



v 






the chifefeft gdod,and utmoft end, by a right 
rule fct in the Word : and therefore often 
exprefled by ZJprightnefs, and Sincerity. 
Every Soul that is clothed with the out- 
ward garment, the Garment of Righteouf- 
nefs wrought fttf him ; is illb clothed with 
the inward Garment of Righteoufneft 
wrought irl him ; though all are not fo well 
clothed with it, as fome are { but in fomd 
meafure All are. For thefe two garnienti 
though they are diftiriguifhed, yet they are 
always worn together, arid never divided. 
Where Chrift is Righteoufnefs to the Soul; 
he hath wrought this Righteoufneis in thd 
Soul. He that puts on Chrift, puts on The 
New Man, which' after God y is created iri 
righteoufnefs, and true holinefs^ Eph. 4. ±4* 
Hence it is, that when thofe, whofe Souls 
did profper, are faid tol>e righteous Perfons; 
ss Noah, Gen. 7. 1; Abel, Matth. 23. 35-. 
Abraham, Ifa. 41. 2. Zachary and Elizabeth, 
Luk. 1. 6. And Lot, 2 Pet. 2. 8. his Soul is 
faid to be a righteous Soul. And when it 
is laid, That the righteous /hall fhine as the 
Sun in the firmament, Matth; 13. 43 . Arid 
efttfer into Eternal Life* Matth. 25. 46. We 
mud underftand it* that they were clothed 
with both thefe Garments, both that of 
Rtehteoyrihefs wrought for them, and that 
* ofRighteoufhefs wrought in them. And 
Svhereas it is faid, xCor. 6. 9* That no un* 

Pj rights 



righteous per/on can enter into the Kingdom 
cf Heaven. We muft underftand it of thofe, 
who have not the double clothing of Righ- 
teoufnefs : He that hath not both, hath nei- 
ther : And be that hath the one, hath the 
other. And fo far as a Man knows, that 
he is clothed with the One, fo for he "knows 
that he is clothed with the Other : and he 
that queftions either, will queftion both. 
He that is in doubt that he hath not the 
One, is in doubt that he hath not the Other. 

In the profecuting of this point, fomething 
had need to be faidto each of tne four Par- 
ticulars. 

i. I fhall (hew what the garment ofltigh- 
teoufnefs wrought in us, is ; The materials 
whereof it is niade. 

%. t fhall fliew, that without this gar- 
ment, whatever profeflion is made of intc- 
reft in that other Garment of Righteoufnefi, 
which is wrought for us, the Soul cannot 
profper. 

3 . That the better the Soul is clothed 
with this garment, the more it doth, and the 
better it . will profper. 

4. Some Dire&ions in reference to the 
clothing our felves with,, and well ufingof 
this Garment. ~ 

(1.) What this Gannett* : of Rightewf 1 
nefs wrought in us is, or the ^attnak^ere- ■ 
of it is made. Ye may take this hrief de- 
fcription ofit. It 



% 



0*3] • 

It is that Heaven-born Principle of fpiri- 
tual life, which contains in it, the whole 
feed of God, theuniverfal principle ofgod- 
linefs, enclining the heart ferioufly to en- 
deavour, that every known truth may be 
heartily fubmitted unto ; every gracious 
principle exercifed, every corruption morti- 
fied, every duty performed, every infirmity 
bewailed, the converfation in all things 
rightly ordered, every Providence impro- 
ved, and all as in the fight of God. 

Ye fee this garment is made up of fe- 
veral pieces, I can do no Ids, and I fhall 
do more then fpeak a little to each of 
them. 

(i.) It is that Heaven-born principle of 
fpiritual life, which contains in it the uni- 
verfol principle of godlinefs. As Original 
fin is a univerfal principle of Corruption, 
{evening throughout the whole lump of 
Man's nature : So this principle of Rightc- 
oufnefs wrought in the Soul, gracioufly re^ 
news the whole Man, though not wholly, 
The new Creature is born at once, though it 
grows by fteps and degrees : Therefore eve- 
ry one that thinks, or defires to be clothed 
with it, mufi put on the whole Armour of God, 
Eph. 6. 10. x Pet. i. J, 6, 7, Giving all dili- 
gence, add to your faith \ vertue y &cc. Col 3. 
ix, 13, Put on as the elett of 'God \ — bowels of 
HfercieSy kindnefs, humbknefi of mind ^ meek- 

p 3 i»S* 



■[«4l 

tjefs, long-buffering, &c. That's health, when 
the whole Body thrives. 

2. It is fuch a principle, as inclines the 
heart ferioufly to endeavour to fubmit to 
every known truth, though contrary to 
former apprehenfions, ^4#.u.i8, When the} 
heard theje things, they held their peace, and 
glorified God, &c. Joh. I. 4fl,~~-Behold> an 
Ifraelite indeed, in whom is no guile. Weigh 
it well, and I fuppofe you will find the re** 
ifon of it to be this, why Chrift fo highly 
honours him. Philip came and told him, 
We h^ve found the Mejjiah. Nathaniel being 
poflefled with prejudice, argues againft it: 
Can any good thing come out ot Galilee J 
Come, and fee, faith Philip ; and he did fa 
He took the right way to be informed .- 
And riotwithftanding his prejudice, is glad 
to find out the truth ; and accordingly ac- 
knowledged it. That Chrift indeed Was 
the Meffiah. This was a Man in whom 
the Heaven-born principle wrought accor* 
ding to its nature, endeavouring to fubmit 
to every known truth. 

(3,) That every grace may be eyerdfed 
in its feafon. Herein, as in all things elfe, 
it willingly corpplies wit{i the whole Will 
©f God, which when the principle is infu- 
fed, commands the exercile, ijoh. 3. 23, 
And this is his commandment, that we (hould 
He heye on the Name of his Son Jefus Chrijt f 

and 



<4 



[us] 

and love one another. It is the exercife of 
faith, and love that is there enjoyned. 

(4.) Every Corruption mortified, Gal. 5. 
2 4, They that are ChriJTs, have crucified the ' 
flejh, with the affeftion, andluSfs. They arc 
faid, To have done it, becaufe it is part of 
their every days work. 

Q.) Duties performed : Of our generM . 
Calling, what relates to the worfhip of Goa, 
fo as God may be fefved acceptably, Heb. 
12. 28, — Let' us have grace, whereby we may 
ferve God acceptably, with reverence^ and god- 
ly fear. And Duties of our particular Cal- 
ling, and that with diligence. The fame 
principle that inclines, To be fervent in Spi- 
rit, ( in duties of worlhip ) inclines not to 
be flotliful in the bufinefs of our Calling, 1 
Rom. 12. 11. And not only with diligence, 
as fome are ; They work hard, but do not 
pray hard. This is not diligence upoiv 
principles of Confcience. But this Heaven- 
born principle we are fpeoking of, inclines 
to diligence, upon a Religious account, that, 
we may abide with God, in our Calling, 
1 Cor. 7. 24, Doing the work thereof heartily, 
as- unto the Lord, Col. 3.23. 

(6.) Conversation rightly ordered. When 
the root of it is in the heart, but the fruits 
of it are to be exprefled in our convert 
tion, Phil 1. 11, Being filled with thefr*it£ : 
of Right eoufnefs, which are by Jefus ChriHj 
^ P 4 &c. 



&c. Thofe that have this principle within, 
have this chara&er. That they are upright 
in their converfation, Pfal. 37. is^—topy 
fucb as be of upright converfation. This is 
that which the Apoftle means, by walking 
with a right foot, Gal. z. 14. Ordering oar 
fteps aright, Prov. 4. 16 9 Making even paths 
fa our feet, Heb. 12. 13. That is, that one 
action Dear proportion to another, and ail 
good, according to the rule, Gal. 6. 1 6. Not 
turning afide to any crooked path. Pfal. 
1x^.4, 5% In order to this, thofe that do in* 
deed mind their Soul-profperity will, or 
fhould propound to themfelves thefe three 
iqueftions. 

i. An lice at ? May I do this, and not 
fin i 

2. Andeceat? Is this becoming a Chrifti- 
an ? May I do this, and not wrong my pro- 
ifeffion ? 

3 . An Expediat ? May I do this, and not 
give offence to others ? 

1 This Heaven-born principle, let it haye 
its full liberty of working, it will incline 
jthe heart to this. And this is the way to 
prder the converfation aright : So as to in- 
herit that promife, Pfal. $0. 23, To him that 
irderetb his converfation aright', will I [hew 
f the falyation of God. 

' (7.) Providences improved. Pfal. 107. 43, 
Whtfb is wfe> and, will obferve thefe things, 

even 



[ll 7 ] 

even they {ball under fian4 the loving iindnefs 
of the Lord. Puzled, and aftonifhed fuch a 
Soul may be fometimes, at the ftrange dik 
penfktions of God, but not offended, fo as 
to face about. Still he holds on his way, 
in* the paths of Righteoufnefs, Mic. 6. 9, The 
Lord's voice cryetb unto the City ; and the 
Man of wifdom pall fee thy Name ; hear ye the 
rod) and who hath appointed it. 

(8 ) All this in the fight of God, z Cor. il 
17 f But as <j fincerity \ but as of God \ in the 
fight of God //peak we in Chrifl. That God 
may be pleafed, 1 Tbef.4. 1. And we approve 
ourfelves to God, z Cor* 5. 9. 

a. It is impoffible the Soul (hould prof- 
per, or be indeed in any capacity of profpe- 
ring that is not clothed with it : For where 
this Inner is not, the other Outer garment 
is not. It is fo, as I told you, that this Gar- 
ment of Righteoufnefs wrought in us, and 
that the Righteoufnefs wrought for us, are 
never feparated the one from the other* fo 
that the Soul that is altogether deftitute of 
it, is in a Chriftlefs {late, naked, and defti- 
tute of all fpiritual clothing, Rev. 3. iy; 
God, at firft, fent forth Man into the World 
compleatly apparelled with it, being created 
in righteoufnefs and true holinefs ; but Sa- 
tan, by his fubtilty, ftript him of it, and h<J 
became naked, Gen. 3. 7. And thus he con- * 
tinues, till by the powerful Word and Spirit , 

i 



Oi8] 

of Chrift, his heart is made willing to come 
unto Chrift, to receive him, reft upon him, 
and abide in him. Till then, he is utterly 
deftitute of all the materials of this gar- 
ment, Some indeed, of whom there may 
be fome hopes that they have obeyed the 
Call, and are come to Chrift, are but poor- 
ly clad, even half naked, which is a fad light. 
But thefe have none at all, they are naked 
all over, though in fenfible of it. They have 
no life at all, nothing of this principle, i fob. 
$.l% y He that hath not the Son, hath not life. ■• 

3. The better- the Soul is clothed with 
this garment, the more it doth, and the bet- 
ter it will profper. For confider. 

(1.) The more we have of this Garment 
of Righteoufnefs, the more the Soul is 
brought into and preferved in its right tem- 
per: The health of the Body confifts much 
in its right conftitution, when it is not fo op- 
prefled with corrupt humours, but that it 
can reliih its ordinary ropd, and can do that 
work that is to be done, by God's appoint- 
ment, wherein it is fet, and is not indifpo- 
fed, by ficknefs, or weaknefe. Into fuch a 
right temper, this righteoufnefs,, when the 
principles of it are exercifed, doth bring the 
Soul. This prevails againft the ill humours 
the Soul is fubjeft unto. It prevails againft 
thofe noifom lufts that war againft the Soul, 
as the Apoftle fpeaks, 1 Pet.. 2 . i 1 . it is com- 
pared 



[219] 

*rzd,Ef>b.6. 14. to a Breaft-plate, which 
f it be good, preferves the principal parts 
>f the Body ; the Breaft, wherein tne vital 
>arts of Man are clofely coucht together. 
k> this righteoufneis preferves the principal 
>art of a Chriftian, it keeps the Confcience 
mre, the Soul undefiled ; fo far as it ujexer- 
ifed, it will keep a Man from his own ini- 
juity, Pfal 18. 23. That which by nafiire 
le was more prone unto, then to others. 

(2 •) The more we have of it, and the bet- 
ter we are clothed with it, the more the 
Soul will be carried after Gocl. It raifeth 
the heart above all worldly enjoyments, fo 
that, it cannot fettle upon them, as others 
do, Pfal. 4. 6, 7, There be many that fay, who 
mUJhew us any good ? Lor J, lift thou up the 
light of thy countenance upon us. When Da- 
vid's heart was brought into its right tem- 
per, he could reafly, and truly, and with 
much warmth, and ftrength of affe£tion,fay* 
Whom have I in Heaven but thee ? And there 
is none upon Earth, that Idefire befidej thee % 
Pfal. 73. 25, 26. 

(3.) The more we have of it, the more 
the Soul is fitted for Communion with 
God. By the firfl; principles of it, a man is 
brought into a faving relation to God : , but 
by their exercife and increafe of it,it is fitted 
for a more fenfible Communion with God. 
There ipuft be a foitableneft between neigh* 

bours 



,# 



[220] 

bours that enjoy Communion together, 
Now the more we have of this, the more 
fuitablenefs there is in us, to the holy nature 
of God, i 5Mm-7» But if' we walk in the light 
as he is in the light, we have fe/HowJhip am 
with another. 

(<j£ The more we are clothed with it, 
the greater worth and excellency is put up- 
on all natural and civil righteoufneis. Eve 
ry aftion, fo much as of this principle is ex- 
ercifed in if, lb much it turns to the well- 
fere, and profperity of the Soul. Duties of 

• the feconci Tabic are turned, as it were, into 
duties of the firft, as Hei. 13. 1 6. To do 
good, is a duty of the Second Table ; and 
Sacrifice ( whiielt it was a part of God's wor- 
fliip ) a duty of the Firft. But when in do- 
ing good to others, we adfc upon principles 
of Religion, and what we do to Man, is out 
oflovetoGod,and out of refpeft to his au* 
thority over us, and to teftifie our thankfiri- 
nefs for his goodnels unto us ; it is through 
Chrift, acceptable to God, as an q6t of Reli- 
gion, and fo as advantageous to keep the 
Soul, in a thriving, prolpering frame, Jam. 
r» 27, Pure Religion before God and the Fa* 

, ther is this, to vifit the Father lcfs> and Wi- 
dows in their afflitlio*— 

f 5*) The more we have of it, the better 
evidence we have for Heaven ; True,though 

we had as much as usy ^^Wvo%fc- c^Sd 



lot be cur Plea for Heaven. The honour 
>f that i? re&rved to the righteoufnefs which 
thrift hath wrought for us : But it is our 
widence, x Tim. 4. 7, 8, I have fought a good 
igf>t, I have fnijhed my courfe^ I have kept 
lie faith. Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown 
if Righteoufnefs. And when we are under 
:he apprehensions of death, next unto the 
ftighteoufnefs of Chrift; this will be of grea- 
eftufe unto us, when all things elfe fail us, 
lfo-3 ^^yRmemier^O Lord y how I have walked 
efoH thee in truth >and 'with aperfefl heart— 

4, A few words of the laft part. Some 
)ire&ions in reference to the well-clothing 
>f our felves with, and well ufing of this 
garment, Confider: 

j. The defires of our Souls fliould be 
yorkipg dill after this clothing. There is 
1 blcflipg promifed to them that hunger, 
tad thirft after Righteoufnefs, Matth. 5. 6. 

(1.) Tbeje defires ought to be unlimited. 
Our defires fhould be {tinted as to what is 
necefiary and cdmely for the clothing of 
pur Eodtefc. buf not fa, after this clothing 
for Qi)r Souls, we fhould be filled with the 
fruits of rtghtteoufnefs, as the £hrafe is, PUL 
1. ii- This i$ *he raofl genuine property 
of this principle, To defire (as we are (till 
lender the command) to grow, 1 Pst.z.i>z,+~ 
*£h*t yte n$*j >groy> thereby. ■ ■•> *) 

-•; v (t .) T&a&dcfires ought to be ruling^ 



w 

«"** 



•A 



lires. whatever in the world ttie 501 
fires with greateft earneftnefcj* our d- 
after this Righteoufnefs mud rule it. 
fires after any thing clfe be prqudici 
thefe defires, they ought to be mort 
as irregular defires. Yea a gracious 
will blefs God, if he crofs them in it, as 
tily as ever David did, i Sdm. x?. 32 
Blejfed be the Lord- — which hath fent 
this day to meet we : And bleffed be th 
vice ^ and bleffed be thou, which baft ke k 
this day from coming to Jbed blood-Still t 
taining that refolution, that we ought 
we cannot, we dare not do any thing ag 
this Righteoufnefs ; but for it, x Cor. 13 

(3.) Thefe defires ought to be con! 
and not as (brae (as we fay) when the; 
in a good mood ; but as David faith, 
119.20, My Soul breaketh for the fa 
that it hath unto thy judgment $, at allt 
The righteoufnefs of many is but life 
morning dew, Hof. 6. 4. 

a. This garment fhould be put on, 
worn every day ; otherwise, the moths 
sat it ; the corruption that is in the 1 
Will fpoil the beauty, comelinefs, and u 
nefs of it. Therefore, though it was-; 
pity in that rich Man to cloth himfi 
Purple and. fine Linnen every day ; y 
is our duty, that our Souls be clothed c 
day, with the bell garments we have, 



x. 7 S' That we ftiould ferve God, In holinefs 
and rigbteoufnefs , all the days of our life ': 
And then, every day to our dying day ; that 
fo they may be beft at laft : For this gar- 
ment is like the garments of the; Children 
of Ifrad in the Wildernefc, which were ne- 
ver the worfe for wearing ; no more is this : 
For to him lhat ufcth well that which he 
hath, more (hall be «given, Matth. 25*. 29. 

3 . If at any time there be any rent made in 
this garment, it muft be immediately 'ftitcht 
up, and mended, elfe the rent will be made 
worfe. Thus underftand me. If there be 
any rent made in our humility by pride; 
in our meeknefs by our paflionate Diftem- 
ipers ; the like may be faid of every piece of 
this garment, of every particular grace ; this 
muft be made up, by humbling our fclves 
before God ; applying our felves to Chrift 
both for pardon, and more fupplies from his 
fullnefs. S6 David, when his faith failed 
in the exercife, as he confefleth, Pfal7$. z, 
Ah feet were almoft gone jnyfteps had well-nigh 
Japt. He had loft his (landing by faith, and 
judged by fenfe, ver.x. For this, ( immediate- 
ly upon the difcovery ) he hunjbles himfel£ 
iter. 2i. 22, Thus my heart was grieved — — 

fo foolijh was I And this made up the 

rent, and then his heart was carried out, as 
.ftrongly after God, as ever, verf. 25. 2(F f 
Whom have I in Heaven but tkee, &c. 

^ 4- By 



4- By way of encouragement, To get 
all we can, and to preferve all we g«, 
and to make the beft ufe of it, every day, 
confider, 

(i.) Though this garment be not fucha 
covering, as that garment of righteoufnefc, 
which Chrift hath wrought for us, for that 
covers from the guilt of fin, yet this is a co- 
vering garment too. 

(ij From that dif-rcfpeft, which man- 
ned of Birth, or breeding, which deformity 
of Body, or a poor, and low condition in the 
World, may, and often doth, expofe a Man 
unto, efpeciaJly with thofe that value Mis 
by the outfide. See what a covering 
this kyProv. i%. z6, The righteous ismon 
excellent then his neigh hour. Heb. 1 1 . 3 8, (y 
whom the World was not worthy ; though 
they were worth little, or nothing in the 
World. 

(x.) Though this garment covers not 
the guilt of fin before God, yet it covers 
the nakedflefs caufed by fin, before Men. 
Sin makes a Man naked to his fhame, in 
the eyes of Men : as Exod. 3 x. 2 ?, And when 
Moksfaw the people that they were naked 
(for Aaron had wade themndjked unto their 
flame, he fore their Enemies. ) As whatever 
deformity there is in a Man s Body is feeo 
by thofe that fee him naked. This garment 
when it is worn* as it ought to be every 

fl day, 



liy* cavers this nakednefr. As Humility 
iovers the nakednefs of Pride ; Meeknefs, 
he . iiakedneis of raft, and unadvifed Anger, 
tirred up, either without caufe, or wheij 
:here is cauf$ without meafure. Sobriety; 
:he nakednefs of Intemperance, ; A freehand 
liberal difpofition, the nakednefs of Earthly^ 
ly-mindednefs, and Covetoufnefs. Sdlf de.j 
liai the nakednefs, of Self feeking, &c. Rev. 
1 6. 15, Blejfedis he that watcheth, and keep- 
>th his garment s± left he walk pake J, and Men 
fee his jhame. 

(3.) In fome fenfe, it covers the naked- 
nels caufed by fin, from the eyes of God ; 
fofarj that though he hates the fin,, and 
often corre&s feverely for it, yet when he 
fees this garment, he is riot extreme to mark 
again ft fuch, PfaL 130. 3, The moft righte- 
ous Soul fins in many things. Yet, If any 
Man fin, we have an advocate with the Father, 
even Jefus Chrift the Righteous, i Joh. x; 1. 
It is this righteous Soul, clothed with the 
garment of this Righteoufnefs wrought in 
us, over which Chrilt will cad the Garment 
of that Righteoufnefs,which he hath wrought 
for the Soul, PfaL 32. 2, Blejfed is the Man; 
to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity. But; 
who is this Man ? The next words tell lisi, /* 
ivhofefpirit there is no guile. I. e. That hath 
this righteoufnefs, which Chrift works in the 
Sb'uh Therefore as we defire, that bur 
* QL, Souls 



\ 
\ 



[126] 

Souls fliould profper, let us gird this 
merit clofe about us ; and follow aftei 
righteoufnefs while we live, and we fli 
able to lay hold upon Eternal Life, 
we dye, i Tim. 6. n, n. And then 
jprofperity will be perfected. 



II mi ! w*i+*mmmi 



SE 









I**/ J 



SERMON X; 



/ 



' ■ i ' ."■'.',' "^- .' 



THere is yet one thing riiore fofr 
the ptefervation of- Bodily 
health } efpectally for thofe that 
lead a federitary life, and thSf 1 " 
moderate exercife, for the motion, and 
ring of the body; Fbr thereby Natural 
it is ftirred up, and increafed : 111 hu- 
>urs abounding, are leflened, and fpent J 
nco&ioty and diftribution of meats far- 
med. The contrary evils^ by excefiive . 
jleft thereof coming upon many, like ari 
ned Man; 

Anfwerable to this; there is ari exercife^ 
lich is exceeding profitable, and every 
j much more neceflary for the welWkre; 
i profperity qf the Soul. It is (he exer- 
z of godlinefc* that is good for all things i 
on that account; the Apoftl* exhorts //• 
(by unto it, whofe Soul he defired might 
blper,even as his own^ i 7im:^ j^^Mx^ 
rife thy f elf rather unto godlinefe; , 
I have* teveral times, touched din thii 
int, already, fince this fiibjeft was entre4 
on^ and fomewbat largely* in the thiri 

s Biicourfe 




Difcourfe upon it. And very often hereto 
fore ( as there hath been occafion ) for feve- 
ral years by-paft, as poflibly, fome have ta^ 
ken notice of. And to ufe the Words of the 
Apoftle, 2 Pet. i. 13/ I think it meet, as 
long as I am in this Tabernacle, to ftir you 
up>by putting you in remembrance of it: 
For this, in a manner, is all in all, for the 
well-fare, and profperity of your Souls: 
which I fhould rejoyce to be, in the leaft, 
inftrumental, to promote, among you. I 
think I may fay it ( and fay it truly ) that if 
any thing, at any time,faddens my thoughts 
of death, which my age, and many infir- 
mities give me warning of, and command 
me to prepare for ; this is like to be it, To 
think that I leave no more of you (for ought 
can be difcerned) to be fpiritually alive; 
and therefore in no prefent capacity to be 
profpering in your Souls. And of thofe 
that are ( as it may be hoped ) fpiritually 
alive,they are fo few, that mind this, as the 
one thing tieceflary, that thp principle of Spi- 
ritual Lite iri them, might be lively, aftive, 
and vigorous, that fo their Souls might prof- 
per, one day after another, one. day as well 
as another, and raoft of all at laft Ye may 
think of this, when I am with you no more 
Ye. will pardon this fliort digfeffion, arid not 
take that with the Left Hand,whkhisofr 
fcfed with the Right* 

Bttt 



But to fpeak to that, which is now to bo 
fpoken to, I mean, The exercife of godjinefi ; 
which ( as I faid ) will be really found to 
be all in all, for the promoting of Soul-prof- 
perity. Though fomething hath been fkid 
to it, (ince I entred upon this Text : ypt 
the fuller handling of it, I refer ved on pur- 
pofe till now, conceiving it would moft 
properly fall under this head. 

The Particulars to be fpoken to are thefe. 

i. What the exercife of godjinefs is, and 
wherein it doth confift. 

a. Wherein it ought to be exercifed. 

3. Wherefore we ought tobefo much in 
the exercife of it, if we defire our Souls 
Should profper, 

4. Then a few things by way of argu- 
ment, to quicken us, to be up^ and doing in 
this matter, as we defire the Lord ftiould be 
with our Souls, either while we Jive, or when 
we dye. . / 

l . For the firft of thefe. Wh^t it fo 
Anf. It is the fetting of every - principle 
of godlinefs about, and ' keeping it cfofe unto 
its proper work, that fo it may bring.fcrth 
its proper and peculiar fruit irt ftte feafon 
thereof As it is faid of every Man, that 
God appoints him his proper wbrk, Mar. 13. 
34. So he hath for every principle^ of godi 
linefs, and the higheft adting thereof, is th& 
Verfed work of -that grace.' ; ■ 



•i 



[i3o] 

I fhall give you fome inftances. 

j. In Patience, Jam. J. 4, £** patientt 
have its perfeft work. The proper work of 
that grace, is quietly, willingly, and chear : 
folly, to fubmit co the holy, and righteous 
will of God, in all affli&ing Providences. 
Where, and when there are no tryals, n<v 
thing to be fuffered, nothing to be endured, 
there is no work for patience : As. there was 
none in the (U{e of Innocency, and will be 
none in the (late of Glqry. But in this pre- 
sent (late, God hath feveral ways to exer- 
cife, aqd feveral ways doth exercife this 
grace in his people j fo as there are few or 
hone, but fall into divers tryals, $nd temp- 
tations, as is more then intimated, Jam. 1. 
i. As that poor youth in the Gofpel, fell 
fometimes into the fire, and fometimes into 
the water. $0 God c^angeth his difpenla- 
tions : The tryal is fometimes in this, and 
fometimes in that. Now, I fay, the proper 
work of Patience under them all, how ma- 
ny foever they be, of what kind foever they 
be, how near foever they come, how deep 
foever they cut, and how long foever they 
continue, i? to keep filence before the Lord, 
to fan&ifie his name in all, as holy and righ- 
teous, faithful and gratious ; believingly 
Raiting for a blefled lflfo to all. ' This is 
the proper work of patience, v and in doing 
this confifts the exercife of patience as we 

ice. 



* «. 



fee it exemplified in fob cap. i,&c. 

(x.) Faith hath its peculiar work, x Thef. 
*• ii, The work of fait h, with power. And 
the proper work of faith, is to receive Jefurf 
Chrift, and reft upon him, and his righte- 
oufnefs, for a full difcharge from the guilt of 
every fin,, and for acceptance with God as 
righteous, unto Eternal Life : And tocar-i 
xy the Soul to Jefus Chrift daily, for fupplies 
of grace, for ftrength aeainft temptations 
from the World, 'the Flelh, or the Devil; 
and for ability- to perform what is daily re- 
quired of us, iathofe relations wherein we 
ftand, and; fa that condition, wherein We 
are, fo as we may be enabled to hold on 
cheetfully, *nd comfortably io the race that 
is let before us, notwithftanding all the dif- 
ficulties, we meet with in our way* Thus 
it was Prophetically promifed of, and to the 
•believing }w% &*b. z. q,' The jufli JhaU 
'tive by his faith ; and to all believers to 
*he end of the World : Stilt keeping heart 
in their hopes; for: the \ aceornplilhmerit of 
whatever • Gbd hath profnHed ; notwith* 
Handing all the real improbabilities, arid 
feeming impoflibilities, that be in the way. 
This is the proper work of faith, and in do: 
ing of this, confifts, the exercife of faith} 
Thus did Abraham^ R011V4; 19, 20. For 
w& walk by faiih, not by Jrght\ % Cor. j.-f. 

We do not enjoy all that is in the pf<^ 



[ *3 \1 

mife, but in the exerciie of faith, we wait 
for it. 

(3.) Repentance hath its proper work 
too ; which is tp bring forth fruits meet for 
Repentance, fuitable to the nature of fuch a 
gracious principle, Matth. 3. 8. Such as 
heart-humbling* and affli&ipg the Soul with 
godly forrow* tor fin ; joined with the tur- 
ning of the heart againfl; every known Tin. 
{0 as we may. attain to : the fenfc of Gods 
reconciliation wkh us, iaod ? keep our hearts 
ip a. reconciled frame toward fes; holy Will 
in all things. . ■ This, is proper? work for this 
grace, and in doing hereof cbnmts the exer- 
cife of RepenCatece* See this exemplified, 
jer. 3 1. 1 8, \9r-^turn*hw\ni€*tand IjbaS 
he turned, for thmtari tbejar^my Q*d: Sure- 
y after I was tt#r*ed, I rtftntm^ &c And 
FJal.fi. -.V.j." . 

'. (4.) Self-ctenyal.hath. itfrpsOger work 
To deny felf-wiltielfccnds; felf-iritereft ia 
nU worldly <toflcettimesnts wbatfpever, and 
tw?w far foever -tfaey^and in: ©pofition un- 
tq, or in competwipii with, the command, 
Lnfereft, and glory « Jefus Chrift. And ire 
Jaconfiftent with the Ck>nfcience*»f that du- 
ty, which we owe tmto his ftfojefty. This 
is the work which God hatf* appointed unto 
^his grace, Luk^^y, If anyMun bill, cme 
qfter me, let him deny kiwfelf* ■. And in do- 
ing of this work, this grace is«xc&cifed, See 
* * ...■.'.-....- - t ■ , , • 

: " w „ ■ -' IK 



I Hit 

it exemplified in Afofes, Heb. ir. X4, By 
faith Mofes, when he came to years, refufed 
to he called the Son of Pharaoh'i daugh- 
ter. 

QsO The grace of Fear, hath, its proper 
work, to keep the heart in an holy awe of 
Go&fenfible of his all-feeing eye upon us, 
regulating all our thoughts, words and a&i- 
pn$ 9 9& becomes the prefence of ib holy a 
God This is the prpper work for the fear 
qf God, Prov. 8. 13* The (ear of the Lord is 
U hale eviL And in doing of this work, 
confifts the exescife of this grace, x Cor. 7. 

!,—/>/ ia dbanfe our felves from qll filthi- 
nefs ofthefiejh.a^ffirityperfe^ing holinefs in 
the fear of God. i.e\n the exercife of this grace/ 
See this exemplified in $*/*/#, Gen. 3 9. 9, 
/&&> can I do this great wickednefs, and fin 
againft-Gpd. And in Nehemiah^haf. f-lf, 
2?*/, y^ *//</ Ml /j. .hecaufe of the fear ef 

Gtid. ; ;■ ■ 

. (6»}*The gra^e qf Meeknefe hath its pr**- 
per work : And that is in the juft modera- 
tion of the paffioij/pf ganger; preventing, op 
quickly cooling, and fubduiog, all uofiup 
beaten fo.as thi£ unruly pafiion may QQver 
bd : moved without caufe, or wheg thejre-ip 
o^ife, not without meafure, to walk, in the 
exercife of this graqe. And becaufe there 
are fa fewexawplrts of it Among this .proud, 
frow&rd, uabrdken-hearted generation of 

Men, 



-t 

■ 



Men, we arc called upon to learn it of Chrift, 
Matth. 1 1. 29, Learn of me 9 for I am meek, 
an d lowly of heart. This being fuch a grace, 
as no Chriftian, without the exercife of it, 
can poflibly walk worthy of his Calling, 
Efib.4. 2, I—befeech you, walk worthy of the 
vocation wherewith ye arc- called, with all low- 
linefe, and meeknefs. " - ' 

(7.) The grace of Charity hath its pro- 
per work: Ye have itdefcribed, 1 Cor. ij» 
4> $9 6 , 7* In doing this work, the grace of 
Charity is exercifed, and the command of 
Chrift fo far fulfilled, who commands us, To 
walk in love, Eph. £• 2. And requires it of 
us, 1 Cor. 1 6. 14, That all our things be done 
$n charity. ' — • 

Thefe few inftances (hew; what it is to 
live in the exercife of godlinefe. Ye fee, here 
are gracious principles in the heart, and gra- 
cious a&ings, fuitable thereunto, and ifluing 
from thenu And thefe are the, things 
wherein the profperity of the Soul" confut- 
ed!. 

2. Wherein ought weto exercife our felves 
unto godlinefs ? - 

Anj. In every thing we do : Whether we 
eat, or drink, or whatever We do, we ought 
to do all to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10. 3 r. 
Though we are neceffitat^d often to change 
our A&ions, yet we ought never to change 
our End. This mud be always the high* 



eft, and moft fupreme End* And this cast 
never be done, but in the exercife of the 
principles of godlinefs. It cannot beexpe* 
#ed, that I Ihould inftance in every thing* 
I (hall inftance in thofe things that may be 
moft comprehenfive. Canficler then, 

i. That thefe principles ought to beer-* 
ercifed in thofe fpiritual outgoings, and ho- 
ly a&ings of the inward Man, which arc 
immediately a&ed upon God, and raife the 
heart Heaven-ward ; though not drawn 
forth in ads of inftituted worfhip. 

(2.) As they are drawn forth, exercifed/ 
and, as it were, clothed with the external 
duties of Religion ; or any thing elfe, where- 
in the vifibl^ part of Religion (as far as it 
may be vifible to Man ) doth confift. 

1. For the former. In the fpiritual out£ 
goings, and holy aftings of the inward Man. 
So as to do fomething toward the perfor- 
mance of that great duty injoined, both, in 
the Old Teftament, and in the New. Ifa. 8. 
1 3 , SanElifie the Lord of hofls himfeffy and 
let him be your fear, and let him be your 
dread. 1 Pet. 3, 15, But fanttifie the Lord 
God in your hearts. But how is this?, That 
God, who is the God of all grace, ihould 
fandtifie all thofe whom he lets apart for 
himfelf. And that he Ihould fan&ifie his 
own name, in vindicating it,from thofe law; 
and unworthy thoughts that Men have fc£ 

htnu 



him: This is fomewhat eafie to be appro- 
Jjepded : But how Jhall a poor Creature 
jpfiden with many infirmities do it ? For 
.the prefent, I cannot think of any better 
way then this, even in the fpiritual out-go- 
. ings, and afltings of the principle of godli- 
flt6, immediately upon uod himfelf, fo as 
to compofe our affe&ions, thoughts, purpo- 
ies> deures, refolutions, and all the inward 
workings of pur hearts in a fuitable propor- 
tion to thofe glorious difcoveries, that God 
hath made ot his name, as infinitely holy, 
wife, juft and gracious, prefent every where, 
feeing all things, obterving all things, order- 
ing all things according to the counfelof 
bis own will. The inftance, the Prophet 
Jfaiah gives, makes for this : For when he 
had called them to their duty, To fan&ifie 
God in their hearts, he directs them how to 
do it. [ Let him be your fear, and let him It 
your dread.] Thus the Prophet H^bakkuk 
fan&ified God's Name, in his heart, draw* 
ing in ill His hopes, and all his comforts, in- 
to God alone, refolving to rejoice in him, 
when he had nothing ejle to rejoice in, Hal. 
3. 17, 1 8. according to Phil 4. 4, Rejoice 
in the Lord alway : and again I fay, Rejoice* 
This is that which is required in the firft, 
and great Commandment ; wherein indeed 
.( if we confider it well ) we (hall find all the 
pther Commands wrapt up ; for always 

l?ef<?rc 



t*37] 
before we db any thing amifs againft God, 
\ve either think amifs of God, or think not 
of him at all. therefore as ever we defire 
our Souls (hould profper* let us be careful, 
at all times, in all places, thus to (an&ifie 
God's Name in our hearts* And whatever 
our condition be, how fed foever it be with 
us, ftill both think well, and fpeak well of 
God, as fuch a God ought to be fpoken of, 
and thought of. Satan hath baffled many 
eminent Per fons, when they have been un- 
der tryal, with temptations contrary to this* 
feremiahy in his diftrefs, lets fall foch fad 
words as thefe, Chap, i y. 1 8, Why is my pain 
perpetual, and my wound incur able > vohkb 
refufeth to be heated ? Wilt thou be altogether 
unto me, as a lyar 9 and as waters that fail? 
And David being (as wc fay ) under hat- 
ches, faid in his hafte, (though upon fecond 
thoughts, he call'd in his words again ) that 
he had ferved a hard Mafter, and that all his 
exercifing himfelf unto godlinefs,had been irt 
vain, PfaL 7 3 . 1 3 • 1 4. It concerns us there- 
fore, (as we defire our Souls fhould ptofper) 
fo to exercife the principles of godlinefs, we 
have received, that even when the dealings 
of God with us, are moft contrary to out 
defires, and hopes, to think of God. ac- 
cording to that reprefentatkm which he 
jmakes of himfelf, Exod. 34. 6, 7, The Lord* 
the Lord God, merciful and gracious^ &cc: Wc 

may 



l l 3°J 
taay obferve, that David, ( when he aded 
like a Man after God's own v heart ) did fo, 
Pfal 119. 68, Thou art good, and doeft good: 
Yet how it was with him, in his outward 
condition, we fetverf. 61. The bands of the 
wicked have robbed me : and verf. z8. Mj 
Soul melt eth for heavinefsi So Pfal. 31. af- 
ter he had exprefled his lad condition, verf 
9, 10, I am in trouble ; mine eye is confumed t 
with grief: My life is fpent with grief, and 
my years with fighing 1 Yet he breaks out 
into admiration ; verf. 19,0, how great is thy 
goodnefS) which thou haft laid up for thent; 
thatfeqr thee .♦> And yet he faw but little of 

it laid out upon him ; Pfal. %%. 1, the 

goodnefs of God end ur eth continually u 

This is the firft way propofed* wherein 
we ought to exercife our felves unto.godli- 

nefo '■•..'. 

a. t proceed to the fecond thing propo* 

fed. How thefe principles of godlinefs 

ought to be exercifed, as they are 4 to be 

drawn forth, and clothed, as it were* with 

the External duties of Religiori,or any thing 

elfe wherein the vifible part of Religion ( fo 

far as it may be made vifible to Mpn ) doth 

confift. 

And here note two things, as to External 
duties of Religion- 

ii That we ought to exercife our felves! 
intHsmaK. 

i; That 



i. That thefe principles of godlinefs ought 
to be exercifed in them all. 

i. For the former. Thofe that really 

mind, sp we all ought to mind the profperi* 

ty of our Souls mull: compafs them all, and 

take them all in, in their walk, though not 

all at once, nor all, it may be, every day* 

but all in their Seafon. It is a dangerous* 

yea a defperate thing, To perform one duty* 

that we may difpence with our felves in the 

negleft of another. As to perform duties 

in conjun&ion with others ; and give our 

felves, on that account, a difpenlation to 

negleft perfonal, and private duties. It is 

our duty ( as i Tim. 5. ai.) to do all things 

without partiality ; efpecially all things in 

Religion. This I defire may be confidered* 

There is no Duty or Ordinance of Gods own 

appointment, which he hath not blefled at 

one time, or other ; to fome one or other, 

of his People ; fo as fometimes they have 

found him in one, when they have not found 

him in another. As for inftancc, God hath 

been found in Prayer, private Prayer, PfaL 

34: 6, This poor man cried unto the Lord, 

and he favea him cut of all his troubles. In 

praying with others; Aft. 4. 31, -And when 

they had prayed, the place was (baken, and 

they were all filled with the Holy Ghofi. In 

private reading of the word, as the Eunuch, 

A&. 8. 27, z 8. In hearing the word, AiL z. 

37- 



[240] 

57* 1 Cor*. 14. 24, 2 5*. While the two Dif- 
ciples that went to Emmaus^ were difcour- 
fing of Chrift, Chrift himfelf drew near to 
them, and went with them, LuL 24. i$i 
And their hearts burned within them, while 
he talked with them by the way, and opened the 
Scriptures to them, verf. 32. So in finging, 
2 Chron. 20. 22, A* d when they began tofing^ 
the Lordfet ambujhments againft the cbildrei 
*f Ammon,^. That is; He cut them off 
fuddenly, as when Men are cut off by their 
enemies that lye in ambufli againfi them ; 
and fo accompliftied what was toretold, verf; 
17, Te fhall not need to fight in this battel) 
ft and Hill, and fee the Salvation of the Lvrd. 
Memorable is that ftory of the Proteftants 
of Mount abdn in France^ who, when they 
were befieged ( being compelled to take up 
Arms in their own defence) always when 
they went out to fight; went out fmging of 
Pfalms, which was io terrible to the Enemy* 
that, in the end, when they heard them 
fmging, which they ufually began, before 
the Portcullis was drawn up r and the Gate*- 
opened, their hearts failed them, and away" 
they would run, crying out y They come, they* 
come. Arid as this is true, that there is nc3 
duty, but that at fome time, or other* Goc3 
hath been found in it; by feme or other ? 
fo they have fometiraes found hirri in one^ 

when they could riot find him in another. 

Cant. 



mi. 3. ii compared with wr.4, She fought 
\m in private duties, and found him not ; 
len fhe went to the publick, and found him 
horn her Soul loved. Daniel was, certainly, 
Man of much prayer, Dan. 6. 1 o. and no 
3ubt found very frequently, fenfible accep- 
nce with God ; but yet it feems God re- ' 
rved the fulled manifedation of his love 

> him, till, to his daily prayer, he added ' 
ctraordinary prayer, with lading. Dan. 9. 

. compared with verf.z^. And it waS.lo 
ith Cornelius, as ye may fee, All. 10. 

Thus we fee the encouragement is great 

> take up every duty in its Seafon. Ex- 
>rience tells us, that the efficacy of co-or- 
nate meins is in conjuhftion. As for the 
'efervation of bodily health, there mud 
1 both Food, and Raimerft, and Red, and 
ie ufe of Phyfick fometimes, as the matter 
quireth ; no one of thefe is fufficient. So 

is here. Let none think, his Soul will 
oTper, though he ufe this, or that Duty ; 
my one known to be a Duty, be willingly 
*le£ted in the feafon thereof It is the 
icy of Satan to feparateone duty from 
other, that fo we may not be llhiform in 
1 r endeavours. Few are fo bad, . as to ufe 
^ means at all, and few are fo faithful to 
od, and their own Souls, as confciencioiif- 
', to ufe All. This half-doing, proves ma- 

R ny 



.) 



tf\ 



. ny a Souls undoing. Therefore as we de- 
ft fire that our Souls fhould profper, we fhould, 
, , as Caleb % follow fully after God And ill 
J .^ all, as Pfal. 63. 8, Follow hard after God. 
As thriving Children do fuck, and draw 
hard fometimes at one Breaft, and fometimes 
at another. 

z. As we ought to exercife our felves in 
them all ; fo we ought to exercife the prin* 
ciples of god linefs in them all. A few words 
to this. 

f 1 . In general thus The principles of god- 

+; linefs ought to be exercifed in them all, fo 

yi far as God's gracious ends, and purpofes in, 

r j** and by them ( fo far as they are revealed to 

- us ) may be anfwered, and attained. I (hall 

inftancein thefe two. 

(i .) This God hath revealetf as on« great 
end to be carried on, in and by them all, 
. that this holy and blefled name may be fan* 
(ftified in them all,Z>z/. 10. 3. This is done, 
when the iqward frame of our Ijearts is 
fueh, when we addrefs our felves unto God, 
as that God himfelf may thereby fee that we 
believe him to be a great God^a gracious God, 
a God in all refpe&s infinitely glorious. This 
is due unjp him, Pfal. 89*7, God is greatly to 
le feared in the Ajfembly of the Saints : and 
to be had in reverence of all them that are 
about him< And this David refolves upon, 

ff*h $*7> & ut as f or w ?> * ^1 cme into thy 

' kf*(e, 



boufe, in the multitude of thy ineriy i and U 
thy fear, toill I worfhip toward thy holy Tern* 
pie. So far as our hearts attain this temper, 
fo far we tafwer God's end; This is to ferve 
bin acceptably , <fife& 12. 28. 

(2.) This llkewife God hath revealed as 
his intent, and purpofe* that thereby he 
may communicate unto the people of his 
choice, thofe fpiritual gifts and graces, 
whereby they may be enabled, to that 
work he hath appointed them, and be pre* 
fared for that happinefs, he hath promifed 
them. Exod. zo* 24, In all places where I 
record my i$t ante, I will come unto thee, and 
I willblefs thee. Pfal. 133. 3. For there the 
Lord commanded the bleffing, and life fof 
ever-more. The attainment of this end 
fhould be fo deeply engraven upon our 
hearts, that as the fiee moves from one 
flower to another, to gather materials for 
Honey ; So fhould we from one Duty to : 
Another,, for fttpplies of grace, fuitable to 
our prefeht neceflities* This was David's 
ttid, Pfal. 63 . 1 , 2, 3, O God thou art ng God 9 
early will I feek thee,&tc. For this end, prin- 
ciples of godlinds fhould be fexerc fed to at- 
tain the tore-mentioned end : And if fo* we 
- are fo much the more likely to attain this 
end, the more grace we bring in exertife to 
& duty, the more grace we are like to receive 
in,- and by that duty, Matth. %$. 29, tfnto 
x R 2 every 



L *1t J 

every one that hath, Jkall be give*} and he 
Jhall have abundance* Thus, in general. 

a . As we defire our Souls fhould profper, 
principles of grace fhould be exercifed in 
all the fore mentioned duties. I will in- 
ftance only in one, and that is the duty of 
Prayer | both becaufe that is, and ought to 
be our every days work : We ought in eve- ' 
ry thing, both great and fmall, to make 
known our requefts to God, believing his 
univerfai Providence; that as there is no^ 
thing fo great that is above his Power, (a 
there is nothing fo little that is below his 
Care. This we are injoined, Phil. 4. 6, Be 
careful for nothing ; but in every thing, by 
prayer andfupplicatiori, witb*thankfgiving\let 
your requefts be made known unto God. And 
alfo, becaufe the better this duty is perfor- 
med, the better all other duties will be per- 
formed : It hath an influence upon them alT, 
and is often put for the whole worfhip of 
God, Row. 1 o. 1 2, 1 3, iVhofoever •/hall call 
upon the Narpe of the Lord Jhall be farved. And 
befides, all the Providences of the day are 
fan&ified by it, 1 Tim. 4. 5, For it isfantti* 
fied by the word of God, and Prayer. But 
then we muft know this, that ifwe defire 
prayer may be a fan&ifying duty to us, our 
hearts muft be fan&ified for it, and grace 
muft be exercifed in it. I fhall not menti- 
on now, what graces muft be exercifed, but 
c_., only 



only in general, fo that the heart may be 
wrought offfrom all evil frames, and com- 
pofed, and fixed, the inward thought there- 
of gathered in, and the affedtions raifed, fo 
as feelingly, and awfully, believingly, fer- 
vently and fincerely we may pbwre out our 
defires unto God, and be able to fay, as 
Lam.z. 1 8, Their heart cryed unto the Lord. 
And PfaL 119. 1 45*, / cryed with my whole 
heart, hear me, Lord. This is one thinj 
intended in that expreflion of Praying ii 
thefpirit, Eph. 6* 18. The fpirit of a Man 
is an a&ive thing, and whatever it doth, 
good, or bad, it doth to purpofe. Such gra- 
cious workings of the Soul in prayer, are thfe 
very Soul ot prayer ; and then the Soul 
profpers by prayer, J ude , verf. zo, And ye, 
Beloved, iuilding up your Souls in your mofi 
• holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghoft. Then 
are our Souls' edified, when we thus pray, 
in the 'exercife' of the graces of the Holy 
.Ghoft, 

This is all I (hall fay to the former of the 
two laft things propofed. That in order 
to Soul-profperity, grace ought to be ex^ 
ercifed, in all the External Duties of Reli- 
gion. * 

I now proceed to the latter. As ever 
we defire our Spuls fhould profper, the prin- 
ciples of godlinefs ought to be exerciied in 
all other things, wherein the vifible part of 

R 3- RfittSJr 



[ M* ] 

Religion, fo far as it may be made yifible tq 
Men, doth cbnfiih 

^nd here I fhall only {peak a little to three 
particulars. 

1. In all Providences. It is feldora or 
never feen, that any of the people of God 
continue in the fame condition, 45 to the 
things of this World, any long time, with- 
out lome alteration, more or lefc. God is 
pleafed, many times, to bellow many good 
things upon them, which he never intended 
they ftiould always enjoy, Pf*L 102. io,— 
Thou baft lifted me up, and cafi the doum. 
Now, as we defireour Souls ihoutd prolper, 
principles of godliness fhould be fo exercued, 
as to bear all fuch changes, lb as to avoid 
the fnares, and temptations accompanying 
them. To this height St. Paul attained, that 
he could thus manage all conditions, Phil. 
4. ix, I know both how to be abqfed, and I 
know how to abound \ &c. Want, or nt> want ; 
having nothing, or poflefling all things, 
make no change of the frame of my heart. 
So he faith, / am inputted in every thing. 
!Th\s is the excellency of the principles of 
godlinefs, That though trutbs,and falihood; 
things morally good, or morally evil, are 
at fuch a diftance, that the lame principles 
cannot turn to either fide : yet Poverty and 
Riches, a full Eftate, and a poor and mean 
fcftate," liberty of reftraint are not at filch 

* ' ■ v . '. . f • . ' * { . t 

* -, ■• ■ t . ■■ • ..■>.<■ I t ' ■ _- 

! 



[M7l 

diftance, but that the fame gracious prin- 
iple can apply it felf to both the one, and 
he other ; and may be exercifed fo as the 
tad may profper, and may be fpiritually 

gainer, both by the one, and by the other, 
tad as we defire our Souls fhould profper, 
hefe principles ought to be exerciied, that 
ve may find it fo. For fo far as corruption 
ningles with the Providences we are under, 
b far, if there be any grace in the heart, 
t will be fo far from thriving, that it will 
vither, and decay. It is obferved, that 
vhen things go well with a Man in his 
mtward condition, if corruption be not 
cept at a diftance from it, the Man will grow 
?roud, and paffioflate ; high, and fcjtxon- 
reited : Earthy, and Selfifti, impatient of be? 
ng crofied iq any thirtg ; having, as he finds, 
wt enough for every thiflg elfe,- and that 
:herefore every one muft ftopp to him. 
\nd fo, when things go crofs, aad, as the 
jfual phrafe is, The World frowns tipon him\ 
Lf his corruptions be Hot kept at a diftance 
from his condition, the Man will grow fret* 
ful, difcontented, unthankful for what he 
hath, envious at thofe, with whom it is tat- 
ter then with himfeif • And (to (peak all 
in a word) fin will fit light, when erodes 
fit heavy. Therefore > $ is of abfolute 
neceflity, that, as ever we.dtfte our Souls 
ihould profper, this < with the uttermoft 

R 4 ■* 



of our care ) fliould be looked unto. 

i. That when the good- hand of God is 
for us i fo as all our Goings out? and Go- 
mings-in, the beginning and ending of eve- 
ry thing we undertake, fucceeds well-, accor- 
ding to our defires, that then " thefe princ?* 
pies of grace ought to b€ exercifed, that no- 
thing come bciwixt Jefijs Chritl," arid our 
%earts, but that the more l wehave of the 
World, the more our hearts maybe in.Hea 1 
ven. AsJ Jacob Was then defirous to be in 
Heaven, when God had given in the unex- 
pected fight of his loft So'n, his bell Son, and 
that as great as" he was good, :Gen» 46. ^0, 
And Kradfiid unto Jofeph, N'ou> k\ me dye 1 , 
fence I bave fee* thy face. Jitti.i. to, Let 
the rich Man rejoice in that' b'cjf*hrade' x lav, 
iecaufe as the flower of the 'grkfs-hefhaJl pafs 
away. [ when he is made /wj iM J' When his 
heart is low add meek, hutrible 4fld patient, 
when his condition 4« full, and high; jhough 
pefhaps not fo in it felf, bufc-aB-'compared 
with others, who had the fame dppdrtuni- 
tie£ for the World, that he 'had'£* reckoning 
of all that he ha% but as food that perifli- 
fcth I hm as a- floWe* that fadeth^ actount- 
i(% this r as thechiefeft excel lency-of the plen- 
titulnefe of his Elkte; that-4ie hath a larger 
opportunity o£ <k>Hig good i irid- of doing 
more for Gody ther* he could have had* if his 
portion had 'wcri'^as little, as brtce it was. 
t rr: '::; ". ■ :i ! iv"" '."■•'. 'Thus 



1 



Thus to exercife grace, To bear fuch full a 
cup without fpilling, argues not only thfc 
trurh, bifl> alfo the ftrength of grace ; and is 
shg. fray to mike the Soijl ft ofper, as faft as 

d: In ait cmrvpvil corivttfei^wtth Men, 
-principles of 'gpdfirtds; miift be exercifed, 
with Tightebumefejl andfobriety r T/f. x. i* f 

•7 id hvith All \(iuwfii> imifkindriefs. : 3 Epift of 

•jM*; <q.4. Malta is exhor-ted/inr.hjs kindnefe 
to the Brethren, that travelled up and down, 
about ^:theaffeirs ^f: the ^djfjeli' when he 
Jbtbaght them onwards oa theit; Journey, to 
•<io>4t. after a godly* efcst. ^ Th& which the 
- A^olMe f refleth on aged Womert iff the duty 
•of aji, both old; ancfyoung, 7}t:L 2,, i'bat 
the: aged women be' fiber ^ grave, temperate^ 
Zech. 14.4,0, i;r, tothai Jky /ball -be written 
upon the Bells ofthehorfes, Holinefs to the 
Lord : And every Pot in Jerufalem Jhall be 
holinefs \ to the Lord. This was written up- 
on the High-Priefts Mitre, as he was a type 
of the great High-Prieft, the Lord Jefus, 
*¥ho-was lioly, and undefifctk That-which 
Men are thereby taught is this, That the 
meaneft things of common ufe, Ihould be 
h'olily ufed : In all we do, we fliould ad as 
Perfoi)$- ccjnfecrated to God ; that are not 
our own,-ind therefore we ought to glorifie 
God, with our Bodies, and with our Spirits, 
which are God's, 1 Cor. 6. 20. Even in our 

natural 



natural a&ions, Whether ive eat, or drink, 
§r whatever we do,we fbeuld do alltt the glory 
of€cd, i Cor. 10. 3 tt Now I have told yon 
already (and I told you the truth} that God 
is not glorified ( it will appear fo one day) 
but when the principles of ^odlkicis ate ex- 
ercifed. Negkd hereof, even in thefe natu- 
ral a&ions, is charged upon Men, as their 
Jin. Jade, vet. 1 %» That they did feed with- 
out fear. 

3. In all companys : So as where «ver we 
are, we always keep our hearts under the 
awe of God, Ef>b. 4. xq, Let no comtft C*ik~ 
wttiHcation proceed out of your mmth. Col. 4 
6, Let yottr fpeech ie always with grace, fea- 
fated with Salt. But of this, more under 
another head, in the next ufe of this Point 



mm 



SER 



t*fl] 



IMv^riWib 



SERMON XL 



[Come now to the third Particular 5 
The reafons why thdfe principles of 
godlitieis ought to be ftirred up: So 
• as to be fet about, and kept dole to 
ieir proper work ; that they may bring 
>rth their proper, and peculiar fruit, in due 
salon, and that' in order to Soul-profperi- 

i* This is that which fpecially falls under 
he authority of Command. Obferve k, 
nd you will find, that when the Scripture 
peaks to profeflmg Chriftians,the principles 
re fuppoied to be mfufed ; and the exercift 
s fpecidlly required, as Eph. a. 14, Put on 
be new M** 9 faith the Apome. Not by 
^onverfion, that is fuppoied ; for he owns 
hem as faithful Brethren in Chrrft, Cb r 1. 
verf. 1 . But put them on, for operation, for 
sxercife. The new Creature, the firtt day 
>f its birth, is a new Man : It is born at 
>nce, though it grows up by degrees ; and e- 
/ery particular principle of godlinefs is a 
•nember of this new Man. Put tnem on fo, as 
it may have them ready, and nothing may 



be wanting, when Providence calls for their 
exercife ; ib that Tour loins fa&irded about, 
and your lights ^ynjtw^haktfz* $$. Thus 
z\(o,Epfc tijo+Pjui Otltfa > M>kolk x aYmour of 
God. Be readjf fornifhed to break through 
whatever fnares, and temptations ye may 
meet withal, in running that race, which 
God Jiath fct ;before you, Several inftahces 
^ere. giveh, r wljerein^his is required of us, 
li) the third exercife upon this fubjedt. 



fore that inference is rational, Gal.$ r if, If 
toe live in the Spirit, let us alfo walk in the 
.Sf}rit. • Thefe.fpirituaJt .pijipciples are that 
tpiri^ual jigcfi» which God;hath given us, to 
'drive pj^our lpiritual trade tyithal, for con- 
y&&. Wit&fjff pel, which oumpt. be attained, 
^unlefe^hf^ be exercifed. V /LS^unteis princi- 
ples «pf Jtealon be exercifcd, which are for 
making 'human fociety ufeful, there can be 
no dealing^ aor profitable conyerfe between 
M^aqd^M^n. i Saw. zi.iq. What fliall 
T-dq.wit^ k a'Mad-man r ^d Achifb, for (o 
jpfapid feigned himfelf to be ; and therefore 
.he dwve^Tiim away* This fhould beferi- 
6ufly considered of, for thefe two things we 

* (il) That for negleft of this, in not an- 
swering God's end herein, that thoig that 

>■■*-■'■■■ ' hive 



-LWJ 
have lived, jnoft highly for. the faVout o£ 
God, have met with many a bruih from the 
hand of God^Luk. x* 20, Thoufhalt be dumb, 

and not able tofpeak becaufe thou believefi 

wt my words) which fhall be fulfilled in their, 
feafen. Num. 20. 1 2, Becaufe ye believed not, 
me, to fanftifie me in the eyes of the children 
*f Ifrael : therefore ye fhall not bring this Con- 
gregation into the Land, which I have give* 
them. It was not for want of faith, cither 
in the one, or in the pther, that the hand of 
God was fo heavy upon them, but for want 
of the exercifc of faith. 

(i«) This we find, That/though it be 
true, God will reward every good Man, for 
every good work; And he hath a Book of 
Remebrance, for that purpofe, Mat. 3.16. 
Yet this is true,* That how good foever, a . 
Mans anions be,in their own^hkture, and 
for the kind of them, there is flo rtkvard to 
be expeded from God, farther. theiTgi'ace 
is exeroiied in them. Alms-givingi Mayer, 
and Faftings are good works, and conftnan- 
ded of God, but if thefe principles of god* 
linefs be not well exercifed in^theni, fee 
what becomes of them, Matth. o/i, 5. /$$* . 
on the contrary, Whofoever fhall\give y tp 
drink, unto one of thefe little one si a cup-, of 
cold water only 9 in the name of a Difciple ; Ve- "' 
rily I fay unto you, he fhall in no wife lofe hh 
reward^ Matth. 10. 42. This fhould have 

fome 



fome Weight with us, that God will drilui 
to account, whdff: fpiritual Trade we have 
driven with our fpiritual flock, Luk. i$» 

3. The neglefl: of this exercife is that 
which Satan watcheth for, and, will be fure 
to improve to his advantage, and our pre- 
judice, Matth: 13. 2 j, While Menfttpt, bis 
enemy came, and fowei tares among the wheat 4 
It feems he knows our (lumbering fits, yea 
without doubt he doth : for he knows hoc 
only what orders Men obferve in their 
walks abroad, what company they keep) 
what difcourfe they have with them, and 
how they fpend their time, but alio, much 
of what they do within doors : For though 
he have not a key to the heart (that is God's 
prerogative ) yet he ftands, as it were, in 
the Room by. . Though he knows not our 
thoughts, yet when they are clothed with 
words, as when we are at Prayer, he ob* 
ferves our Petitions, and Confeflions ; and 
can make a fhrewd guefc thereby, what the 
frame and temper of our hearts are. It can- 
not be denied, but that he may know as 
much by us, as any Man may do, and more 
too; * Now Solomon iaith, Prov* xo. 5-, Com- 
fel in the heart of man is a great Jeep. i. e* 
The thoughts, defigns, intentions, and pur- 
poles of Men are a great deep, like deep 
waters, where it is a great way to the bot- 
tom; 



1 b M *> Ji ; : 

torn ; t Mai canoot eafily dive into them, 
to find oat what they are ; but an under- 
Handing Man, by prudent and conftant ob- 
fervation of them ; of what they do, and 
what company they keep, of the words that 
fall from them, and of their looks, and ge- 
ftures, may give (and fometimes have gi- 
ven a conje&ure not much amifs 6f them. 
And if fo; then Satan much more, who goes 
about continually, ftudying always as he 
goes, obferving, and diligently confidering 
Mens temper, and difoofitions, Mens calling 
and conditions ; and as he finds things fo 
he cads about what is fit to be done to fuch 
or fuch a Perfon ; how to fit the Key for the 
Lock, and which way he may afteult him 
fo, as his temptation may take ; anfi. where 
he may have moft advantage againft him. 
And this he knows, that fo far as he can 
jjifcern that fpiritual flothfulnefs creeps upon 
a Man, and that the exercife of thefe prin- 
ciples is^negle&ed, fo far the day is his own. 
He knows there ,is nothing but this armour 
of God, whereby he can be refilled ; and 
this too as put on, and kept in exercife, Ej>k* 
6. 13. Upon this account, unlefs M&e<are 
willing to betray our Souls unto him, that 
was a murderer from the beginning : we 
ought to be conftant in this duty, and pU£ 
on this armour of God, both on the right 
hand, and oiithe left, as the Apoftle fpeafcs? 
% Cor. 6. 7* 4. It 



"4.. It is in the exercife of thefe principles* 
each of them,, in their feafon, that the pro- 
tecting, fupporting, comforting prefence of 
God, may ( upon Scripture-grounds) be.ex* 
petted, and enjoyed in every condition, fo 
as our Souls may prolper in it, and by it, 
whatever it be. We read, Jet. 9. 24. That 
the Lord exercifeth Loving-kiridnefs, Judge- 
ment, and Righteoufnels in the Earth, and 
that, in thefe things he delighted*. Now 
thole whole hearts are moll bufied in this 
exercife, have the cleareft grounds from the 
word, that he will exercife them in their 
behalf, x Chron. 16. 9, The eyes of the Lord 
run to, and fro> through the whole Earthy to 
pew himfelfftrong in the behalf of them 9 whofe 
heart is perfeft toward him. His Providen- 
tial eye is over them, Job 3 6. 7, He with- 
draweth not his eyes from the righteous. He 
looks to them by night, and by day, that 
no evil touch them, Job j. 19, He jkall de- 
liver thee in fix troubles ; yea in /even JhaH 
m evil touch thee. /. e. So as to hurt thee. 
Tfal. io j. 15, Touch not mine anointed \ and 
do my prophets no harm. /. e. In their* fjpiri- 
tualeltate, and what concerns, the well-tare 
of their Souls. That's fecured to them that 
live in the exercife of the love of God. That's 
the good that Text fpeaks of, Rom. 8.28, 
All things /hall work together for good, to 
Hem that love God. The good whereby 

their 



[*57] 
leir Soul profpers. But let a Mail through 
le prevalency of his corruptions, 'difufe 
imfelf from this excrcife, and fuffer thefe 
rinciples.of godlinefs to lye, as it were, Bed- 
dden, choaked, and opprefled by the prin- 
pies of ungodlinefs, and his own Confci* 
ice ( if it be awake ) will give check to-his 
apes, if he cxpeft that God fliould favour 
im with, faccefs/ either in his goings' out* 
r comings in,* the beginning, or ending- of 
ny thing betakes in hand > God aiaf'd&lti 
tid often doth it ; but itB'inbre the* any 
ich pejtfon. hath ground to* expect; ot 1 can 
xpett, with any good .ho^e to l^oV or 
lead with God for. -tt-fc *>bfervab^%|»t 
vt have jh tht fore-nicnYibned fac$4. f fckr*. 
5.9. in the latter 
», faith the Proph 




(hly : Henceforth, thou ftalthavi wSriVftoXv 
i-hereitr VaiJ it, that tie had done foolHhly ? 
lee ver: 7; it 'was in this, - that he" hid'tfct 
:xcrciM :hfc,feith, thai great prihfcipfe. of 
rodllifcfi;ih : relying updtf the Ged of ty%h 
>ut \&$ rtNhkl upon the King of SyfUS^'- ! 
^''"rheVe^is no warlike : this* : WPflfc 
ircAvtri ^d exfercifc of thefc ffirfK^ x 
jrfterelffi'as 3 ! told yoii ihUhe explftatkHW 
he poinitv ' tHe profperft^-the S6ul^»#- 
■iftethtfteciilly : It is-'tollfenowh/thfe^do 
fo 3w^ fromhe nefMft Mentha* Ik 
'.- V- S up 



up with die greateft docks, but thpfe that 
exereife themlelyes with diligence, boneCty, 
and integrity in their Callings, -though 
they begin with lade. And likewife, The 
hett^itsdo not jthva^sproveifliRbettScho' 
(ars, 'uijlefs ■ jttjeir .xtudy be aniwcrable to 
dieir jiarts. It is even ib-an-thisj cafe : For 
attain IE is, that. Jefi degrees pf grace, well 
managed: w daily, cxetcue, wil^thrive and 
gtoWjS'hefi greater, uaeifures ijegtected will 
wiiS|eiv^and3efayv,?r<™. ib-^ij/ewiji jf 

the l~ord u ftn>igtb tfi.tpe t(j>ri£bt.^yia ai 
ffftifcrn efi in.ty pxiww Sp^.ipf fhis, I 
reie^y^ to vflfy w^s frjoken, in jne; tuirij 
fefEF/cifa ,on this £$$€&.. .' Qnly'jadd, that 

as Natural life becomes niorc lively by acti- 
on, even fo are ,£hfi , principles pfjpiritual 

V*M»<1>W<>1- . Th«is according, jo,i«i. to 

Iq &i/Jrl^ tfiaj^y »fihf l'Pr^SWSb^tliet 
jSJrafa an thfl?nW«« fe. .tiisirngifis bill 
dil"cerw4j. jieyfjCjtijifr ^TeruJU.y.^fe it f 
Sllje^jthey^ar^.rriollwin^xercjlS,! r Wben is 
■■.MfWiMopW ifiMjo ffl^SS?w Hftt he. jhag 
jf»'8friM* ■'haHj'rS lWh fepfllfflf&i .W 
JHteniihejis i^u^y i ^fiey^a ; aod,rEpeilt- 
<J8&*ri iQjnfidffl [*Mla i Hfy'llrjii l§»Sl «' 
A) te/if* andifeJhWMcte fW.W? nor 
V c enljr 



m m ■ 

f id add more degrees, but alfo to exer- 
thdfc principles they have received. Iii 
jy. he tells them/that if they do not, 
f may, m } ali' probattlity, in a little 
ile, not be able to fee .any thing of God, 
t is faii&fykig and fe^ihg in their Souls ; 
v flaay fcYget thai fevfer they were pur- 
l from their (Jld ifins; &; queftion all again. 
^Uhd^s«dd-rt)e : exM^ to the jprinci- 
■ y theft i fa&iierf. uvj) ari eptra#o$ may 
admirfiftreii td theni abundantly into 
Kingddm^f Heaven;- It is worth diir 
ing, tftat the Scripture fpeaks of fome 
t are ftu ftoril the Kingdom of Heaven* 
iched with do cate 6f Keligioh at all, but; 
5 Gailio,' cite for ndthing of that nature, 
b. i; if 9 -fe*wb& wefc ; fometime afar cfj 

wade ni^bi : Of others, that come' near 1 , 
t never eriter, taking' up with a halfccbn- 
rfion, Ovarii z. 34, Thbti art not far front 
r Kingdom dfOoa. Of others that enter, 
t with great difficulty, 1 Pet. 4. 1 8,' And 
the righteous fcarcely be* faved—r~±thcy 
ike a hard flrift td get thither. But others, 
ye fee, iri this of Peter enter in with full 
ili triumphantly laying h6lc£eri Eterrial 
fe. They are thote( though perhaps all 
ofe may not ) that add the exercife to the 
inciple. They know in themfelves by 
hat they find working, ftirring, and a£tinj 
their Souls, that as it is kid of thofe, Hei 

S x io< 



[i6o] 

io. 34, knowing in your felves f tbatji 

have in Heaven a better, and an enduring fid* 
fiance: that they have a right_«nd title to 
Heaven, and wheaxbey dye, they go to take 
pofleflion of it. 

' Thus I have given you, what I had to 
fay, as to the reafons, why ,W£ ought to 
exercife our felves to godlingis, ^tn4 that b; 
this exercife, Soul-profperity is , pr 
and that it cannot poffibly profper without 
it. I fhall only add two words more. 

i. For the time pad, we may, if we look 
back, lee the reafon, why though thefe prin- 
ciples be of a thriving, growing nature, yet 
for all that, they do not profper as they 
ought. It is either becaufe we deceive our 
felves, and think we have them, when there 
is no fuch matter, or that we negleft the 
exercife of them, fo as not to da that work, 
and bring forth thofe fruits they were given 
for ; but we do with them, as mat flothfol " 
Servant did with his Talent, Matib. x j . 18. 
he digged in the Earth, and hid his Lord's 
money : For which he received his deferved 
doom, verf. i8, Take the Talent from him. 
Profefiing to live in the fpirit, but walk on- 
ly as Men, who have nothing but nature in 
them, as the Apoftle chargeth it upon them, 
i Cor. 3.3.. This is the great reaion, if not. 
the only reafon, why they thrive no more* 
For to him that bath ( /. e. ufeth what he 

bath) i 



hatli yjBatt $e$)ven } Matth. 2 f. 29. 
• 2/ For the time to come. If all that hath 
Been fpokett on this point, prove not like 
Water fpik on the ground ; if there be no 
caufe to complain, as Ifa. 49. 4, 1 have labou- 
red In vain J havefpent myftrengthfor nought. 
But that forrie good impreffions are madfc, 
and abide upon your hearts, as I hope there 
do, atleaft upon fome; and that ye really 
and heartily mind your Soul-profperity> 
then, in t;he (irength of Chirft, refolye up^ 
on this exercife : And that ye may makp 
fomething of it, and have good fucceis in 
3'our endeavours, refolye, every day, to ap* 
ply yoiir felves to Chrift, and pray as fer£ N 
pufly, awfully, fmcercly, afFe&ionately , un4 
believingly for ability to do it, as yg , j/ybujcl 
do for Salvation it lelf ; for the erijpyrnent 
of him in Heaven, whom your Soufslove.' 
Even $s Davirf ( or whoever it wa^tfeai: 
compqfecl the 137 Pfalm) refolved^pray 
. -for jerufalein, ver. f. 6 y If I forget lb$?*<? 
Jerufalem, &fc. Better fotget to pray ij^ wr 
daily bread, then fortius.' That's tilt for 
the well-fare of our Natural life x this.3 for 
the well-fare of odr fpiritiial life. ^ 7 ". 
- Confider therefore*/ : !;: 

1. That thefe fpirftual principles, and 
ritual ability to exercife them, are difti 
niercies; qjnd feparabl? the one from the *h 
ther ; to" ye "have heara from' the igftjwces 

S3 v given 




given of Zachary and Mafes. Afyfef fo emi- 
nent for meeknefs, Job for patience, Abra, 
bam for faith ; though they abounded in the 
principle, yet fometimes they came fliort in 
the exercife. 

a. That a heart* and ability to exercife 
them, is to be had from Chriit.,- and fron) 
him alone, Job. 1 $. y, For without me, ye can 
domWmg. We read Pfal $\. 14* what pi- 
vid Cngageth unto; My tongue. $aB ' fing a,. 
loud of tby rigbteoufnefs : And wr. xj. we 
frjay 'fee where he loolp for ftrcngth to make 
good his engagement, Lord^epett tbat-mj 
lips, and my mouth JbaSJbew fprib tbypfaije. 
jHere Paul had it, Philq. 13, /aw do all 
Wtngsthrough Cbrifl which flrengtheuethme. 
j^ndhe exhorts all, that.wheri they have put 
offthe whole armour of God, anqhave eve- 
ry grace ready for exercife, yet then to Be 
ftron^in the Lord, and m tie 'power of bis 
mgijt,Epb.6.io',ii.' r . '.,*"'* 
' 3 : . Let this, be thought, on ' too' '.: That 
thotfgL we ought to : refl.upon'Chrift, for his 
kftlflrance herein, astifiie were to clb, all, and 
w£ our fejves were't;b.do nothing at fill, yet 
yte J Aught To to. ftijr-'np oiir icivcs, and ex- 
ercife our moft fe'riouV thoughts, and endea- 
vours herein, asjf jiQ^lp atajlw^ie to be 
pxpe&ed from him", .-/#(A a. ,1^,-13, Work 
■6i|> 'Jj/ktr fafaaiion . mtk fear,, andtrfmiiiM, 
?$$. ** God whqwotk'etb tgycu, $oih to wi% 



MW 



,.,.„.. biA.-,. „..;„...., 

Thus. '. jf Uave fhewed tou' £jhe exprcflfons 
in theTeitt leading me thjit way jj wjt$fhat 
in a natorat way is neceflary' for the,be^Ita, 
'and wejlfarc, of tfre bodW that, in a fpirir 
tual way^is as much nccefl^i-y for the liealt^, 
.well-fere,' and prosperity of the Soul." "And 
.this I have ihewed in four' Particular;},. J 
tofd ypu ? w ; ljen I entredlfirft upon "tjjjs ufei 
That when, in theufe of thefe means, 3^ be- 
gins to be well within, the Soul be^ihjltjo 
jhrive and profper^ -.Yet:, it^niay, pp{llblj(, 
nave tfsJf|uMine, fits;' fqmefcimes by/Wafph 
of continued 'afflictions .. fpmeiimes"ir,om a 
deep fenfe of invincible itifir rqitles. .cor the 
more of thefe gracious^ principles there arc 
In the heart,, apd the mor?" they, are, eker- 
.cifcd, the'more fadimpreffiQn the Ieattiai(- 
ing makes upon the heart .. No marvel. if jt 
be with fuch, as it was. with Jonah, when .the 
waters cbmpafled him about, and the reeds 
•were wrap? about his head,; then,' he.. ijiid 
his Soul fainte^l withiiyhiai, jm %. ~$y 6^. 
And David had like to liave done fy* wheji 
falfe wi(:nefles were rifen. xu> ajjainft, hjpv/ 
bad faints^ Jwth he, .tp'kfr. //'*^. fe?H$*il 
to fie tfte&oqnefs of the Lo0-ih theLandtf 
the Living, ^lal. xjr. ii,^ 13^ J^otov as swh.e'n 
JCatureis afraoft fpent^an J -bpdilv {trench 
fails, there is'.need. of'relief by.fome com- 
fortableCordjals, ,Ast]iat;poorMjq t ijS^. 
io. ii. oeing Faint, D^/i/s'Mecr gave fiim 
S 4 fome- 



fomething, and then his fpirits came to him, 
which; it feems, were departing from him. 
Now, as the Lord Jefus was very tender 
bxftrx hole, that came from far to hear him, 
and had been three days with him, left they 
fhquia faint in their way homeWard, and 
, therefore he wrought a miracle to relieve 
them/ Matth. 1 5. 3 z . So without doubt, he 
is as tender to prevent Soul-fainting, /fa. o, 

1 5,1 6, to reviye the Spirit of the hnmile, 

and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 
For I will not contend for ever, neither will I 
le always wroth, for the fpirit fhoutd fail he- 
fore we, and the Souls which 1 have wade. 
Something therefore mud be faid to this. 
Therefore, though I cannot defcend to par- 
ticulars, C that wbilld be too great a work) 
I (hall only give fpme general rules, which 
may be indifferently applyed* to all cafes. 
Let then every Soul that is refcdy tqjaint : 

1. Do as Jonah did, in the place before 
gubted, chap. 2:' ytr. 7, My[ S^af fainted 
within,' and^Jr^e^re J the Lord. " Remem- 
brance implies dependence, PfaLxo* 7, But 
we will revqernfor the name of % the Lord our 
God. 4> this is ^refcribed for claiming Soul, 
JfatfO. 10, Wfiois among jokiihat fear eib 
(he Lj>td> ando^yeth the <zfr#f if his fer- 
vsnt; ibdt wtfkttb'ih ddfkntfs, kn'i hath no 
li$i ( x tet him tYujt in i%e nanieefibe tord, 
apdffajfmn hiiGid* . Now s *4rt rauttknow 

'■ . • *'■ ■■■■■ ■ : that 



I* 6 ti- 
tbit the Name of the Lord, may have re- 
ference to that name, Exod. 34. 5, 6, 7, The 
Lord, the Lord Godjnerciful and gracious foe. 
This is very' chearing. For * fainting Soul 
may fometimes take encouragement from 
aft Attribute of God, when he doubts whe- 
ther he may touch with a promisor no. 
pr it may have reference to that name, 
Jer. x3, 6, The Lord our Righteoufnefs. Cer- 
tainly, when a Soul feeth nothing in it felf 
Whereby it can challenge any intereft, in 
any ground of comfort : yet becaufe there 
is grace, and mercy enough in the name of 
God, and merit, and ri&hteoufaefs enough 
in the Son of God ; fuch a Soul may lee 
ground enough to refolve, zsffa. 8.17, 1 will 
wait upon the Lord, that hidetbhts face from 
thehoufe of Jacob/ and I will look for him. 
Pfel. 34. j,. Zher looked to him, and were 
lightened^ and tbiir fates were not afhamed. 

ThoqgfTSli the* clotids were not prefently 
Scattered, yet the^had fome light. And a 
little Candle in 3 a cfeHc room, in a very dark 
night, thouj^ri^^Jiof make it day, as the 
Stid doth, yet IMS ; fdhie reviving, till the day 
do.appear. T . 

v li/tet it ti&'ttcll corifideted, what God 
irt^^th upon- feinting Souls, as one great 
pkttf ! 6f J their wdrk, in fuch a feafon, Pfal. 
■f'ft'T&i Caflr thy iurden* upon the Lord) and 
he-fitdlfufiahi thee\ be fhdll never fuffer the 
- ' l nghteous 



righteous to' fa move J. When (hou art jeatf? 



to faint undo: thy burrfen^ caft it iippa ja% h 
&ith the I^ord, '^& / /£. 11. z8 f C«»£ **i?mf, 
all jb that lahour , and we heavy la Jen. Do 
then, as £>avid did, he hears the command, 
faking in general urito" ajl> /#/. xjr.fc 
S&i ye my/ace] and feeth hiwelfconqernedl 
in it, and therefore refolve& Thy face^Lvd, 
will I feck. It is obfervaple,, : that whcil 
jChrift commanded the blind J^Ian to come 
.unto hxrnyMar, *6. 49, & of good comfort^ 
&y thote that were by-ftapders, the Mafter 
calls thee. . Such comnfandsy in this qU^ 
iBtay fometimes be of greater ufetheriprp- 
inifes jand more effeiftilU/pVthe fiienging 
pf doubts^ and difroui^emehts. For thp 
jbeft are apt, when in , t w vk to depute 
their intereft in the prp^hflep* till they $ayp 
difputed thejnfelves out ox all heart tqdofe 
.with th?nu.. But Comn^nc^ar^ptto be 
difputed; fcut iobey^d ^^ !#• 5- 5^ ^te 
was difcra^^ ; They.,;had # 

fitted aU night,.^ mm0ms; ne^ 
ihelefs, fay &ey, *( ttem&mm*. fc*JW 
the Net. " ""■,..■ 

• , 3. Takii^it:f^ 

$wi in obedience to th^^^miid oFQiritt, 
i? willing* if able, to cbnjp 't$ ; Chip 
<$q& with Jhioi ; And &t£& quel 
pit to hiju, as it was ta Jtefec ca t (j$xu^ 
•S^Witi thou go with tits wart i He wouJa 

anfwer, 



anfwer, as (he did, / will go. And hearing 
the terms, whefebq he promifeth to be ours, 
cad, and doth yield unto them, as heartily 
as Laban did to facob% and defire as he did, 
Gen, 30; 3 4, 1 untold it might be, according to 
tiywerd.. Then let every feinting Soul 
know his right, add claim it, and know 
his duty* upon this account, ' and fet about 
it. ■ 

. 1. Know his right, and claim it What's 
that* Eveathe promifes of God, as his in- 
heritance ; for theft that yield to drift's 
terms, are received into the number of his 
adopted Children, fvh. 1. n. And if Chit 
drep, then Heirs, /?#*>. 8.17, Heirs of what? 
S&GaL 3 . 29, Andifye be Chrifts, then are 
ye Abraham's Seed} and Heirs according to 
-theprmife. We read that fJaboth would 
not part with his inheritance; neither for the 
good wilL^ior ill Will of King Atiab. Let 
Souls rqady tti feint, do foin this cafe, with 
the. Promifes, which in Chrift, are their un- 
jdoubted inheritance, x Cor. 1. to, For all the 
promifes of God* are in him y yea y and in him. 
Amen* 

2* Let Souls fabjeft to feinting, know 
their duty upon this account,, and fet upon 
the performance of it 

( 1 ) They ought to acquaint themfelves 
with the protnifes/ ! They are fo great, and 
precious, as the^Ajtoftle faith, x Pet. \. v 



[z6S] 

that there is not one of thofe that rtaWj 
clofe with Chnft, though they be of the 
loweft form, but may iind that which is 
mod fuitable to their condition, in feme 
promife or other that is within their reach, 
thopgh fome may feem to be. above him. 
Though a little Man upon lb w ground can* 
hot reach the top of the Tree, yet he may 
get hold on fome of the lower branches, 
and there may find fome fruit, which pay 
fomewhat relieve him. As fuppofe, he can- 
not find comfort in that promife, Rev. 1. 7, 
To him that over comet h t will I give, to eat 
if the Tree of Life. No, he is afraid of be- 
ing overcome, that promife is too high for 
him, it is above his reach ; yet he may reach 
that, Rev.%%. 1 7, And let him that is athirfo 
come. And whofoever will, let him take of 
the Water of Life freely. If not that, Mattb. 
5. 8, Blcffed are the pure in hearfj for they 
/hall fee God. Yet they may *re$ch that, 
Ver. 6, Blejfed are they that hunger andthirft 
'after righteoufnefs, for they Jhall be filled. 
And that, J oh. 6. 37, All that the Father 
hath given unto me, fhatt come unto me : and 
him that, cometh unto me, I will in no wife caft 
out. And let every fainting Soul knb w. this, 
that fo far as he hath an interefl: in any one 
promife, fo far he hath an interefl in every 
promife, as to thatbleffing in it, which is ab- 
solutely neceflary to falvatiqn. For as there 

is 



is ft chain of duties', Matth. n. 37, 38, 39, 
40, Thou /halt love the fj^rd thy God— This 
is the firfi and great Commandment \ and the 
fecond is like unto 1 ' it* Thou fhalt live thy 
neighbour as thy feW i On ihefi two Com* 
mandments hang all the Haw find the Prophets. 
Not this or that ; but this and that too. So 
there is a chain of Privilcdges, Rom. 8. $0,' 
Whoni he did predeftinJte, theto He alfo caU 
led; and whom he called y them he alfojuftif- 
ed ; and tohom he jufiified, them he alfo £lo± 
rifled. And a chain of Providences, Rm. fc 
a 8, All things work together for, good to them t 
that lave God. jSo there is a chain of Pro- 
. nrifes ; they are all bound together in one 
bundle in the Covenant. That great, and 
precious promife [ / will fa' thy God] cqjp- 
prehends them all. Therefore it is laid, 
Rev. xi. 7, He that overcometh fhall inherit 
all thinn, and I will fa his God, and he /kail 
be myiSon. . . - " ' ; 7 ' 

(2.5 Let them pte^thePromifes;J^2i/. 

119. 49, Remember thy word unto thy Ser- 
vant , upon which thou haft can fed me to hope. 
Efpecially that particular prtiririfo wh'ictj 
contains that particular bleffihg/ which |f 
it were as fare in their hand; $s it is in tfie 
promife, the ftirrtt^ Souithink^it wquld 
iatisfie. Thus did Jacob, Geii 3 % '9 ,10,11, 
O God — which faidfi unto me; teiiirn into thy 
CMntry--DelivW ) tne 9 1 pray* thee, from the 

hand 



hand if my Brother ^r— -Thus every fainting 
Soul ought to do- The promife is. that 
Bond, wherein Go4 hat#i made himfelf a. 
Debtor* if not to his Cpveqant-people, yet 
to his own truth, and faith&ilnefs, Which 
requires it of hxm, that what be hath pro^ 
miied, be fulfilled, and therefore they ought. 
to plead them/ This is God*$ method; be 
expe&s to. hear fron^ them, before they <2s 
expeft to hear from bm % ffdU 5:0. sy, Cat 
upon me in the day of trouble* and /will de- 
liver thee. 

(3.) Let' tjieih patiently wait for the fill' 
filling of what is promiled. If the thing 
be of abfplute 'peceffity, # /hall be given 
in kinfl. . Ami fo it flialj Jrc, though in it 
felf it |be 119^ yet if God jn hw infinite wi£ 
djtim fees : it ^iU be , fobfervient thereunto, 
4rtd will b^er promote it, then the want 
of it wiir^it ffiall aMb certainly be made 
gdod. Tfie'"Scripture.fpeaks asif&xlhad 
promifed jft^Qpugn- f but 'Eternal Life* 
i Job* z . i'£/ tfnd tjSts is. tfo promife that 
he* hath promiffaus, even Eternal Life. But 

ifkjbecw^ neceflary 

iinjfco Etfcri&J- £jfif are. comprehended there- 
in.' Therefore wait fori it/becaufe it will 
jarely cdfafe Bah z. .3," It's true, there 
may be (ifepq; ja Heay^n^ $nd that for a 
great whilg/ to the prayer pf faith ; as there 
may be a^uerice v?ry ^often to the pro- 
~ J " #4 ' vocations 



FT — 

vocations o£t&£ generation that is abhor* 
tfsft by God.;,' But as he wiH' arife in due 
time, to executp jits yindi&ivc juftice upoq 
i;he one, '#%£$$ $*"»**; So^he'.wiU arife 
to make good his. ^romifes of grace, and 
mercy to the. other. For Gpjd never $4 
tp the Seed pffacbt, that they mould left 
him in' vain, $.' £$. 19. I ^aty conclude 
this with that of the Apoftle, i Thef.$. f. 
The Lord direff .your hearts into the love. W 
God t and into the patient' waiting fqrCbriJk 
He'had Jaid down great grounds of copt 
fort for them, in the former Chapter, ver£ 

B, ^4. And aflures them, vetf j. of this 
iapter, that Gpd was faithful, and Wpu|4 
ft'abhih them. They Ihoutd not mifcirryi 
nor.faU of that which God had chofen them 
ipntcuVbut knowing the difficulty of Wait- 
ing, when expected fnpplies were delaye^ 
efpe,c$IIy wh?ri'Prpvidences feem contrary 
to Pfomifes, he prays that the Lord would 
ajreft'tlrem into the love of God, and pa- 
tient waiting for ,Cftrift. This is the thn*3 
partjeutar, which it cpneerns feinting Souls 
?pjaiie,Xp§cial.'nQticeof. ... 

V.,'(^ Fainting, Souls, or Souls oiten.lufj' 
led]; tb. fainting, mould endeavpfir after a 
diftinil knowledge of the greak and funda> 
"iflentai "Dbitrine of Tuftification. 

\ Cf In the Meritorious caufe of it, which 
is. the obedience' of Chrift, as Mediatour.ih 

,- doing 



doing, and fuSering what God the Fathef 
appointed, and which he accepted in the be- 
half of all thofe, to whom it is imputed; 
fo as to discharge them from the curie of 
the Law, which they had deferved to be 
executed upon them to the uttermoft : and 
to accept them, as righteous unto Eternal 
Life, of which they were utterly unwor- 
thy. 

(>.) That it is God which juftifieth, Row. 
& 33, Who (baJZ lay any thing to the charge 
ef God's Elelf > It is God, that juftifieth. 

(3 .) That the moving caufe is Gods free 

love, Rom. 3. i^ f Being jtiflifisti frpely by hi* 
grace, through the Redemption that is in 
Chrift Jefus. ' 

(4.) Th^t the means of receiving* it, is 
Faith, Rom.$.H 9 Even: the righteekfnefs^ 'of 
God, which is by faith of thrift Jefus , unto au 9 
and Mpttn alt them that dilh've : for there is 
'no differtnee. Thefe thirigsf ;beiri^well di- 
gefted, are great Cordials, ]. [For whom he 
juftifietlj, he:dbrifietb r Rvm ! >& 30. 

(j.) LeiTuch alfo think of the ttaturei 
and efficacy of Chrifts^ Jrtterceffion • and 
that with thought ujioft tlibught. Heap- 
pears in Heaven for "us; ; jfifei $1. '%^ Aijd 
who thofe are, ye find, % Hib. 7. 2,5, Wh(tte T 

fore he is able alfo t6 fyve: them r'tp -$£& 
termoft thai come to God by hi fa f&Tng he 
ever liveth to make iniefceffidn far Wem 

For 



1*73 J 
For what ? To give forth unto us, and to 
apply w ^ at he bath purchafed, i Job. x. 
i, i. And we may be fure of it, that his 
Intercdfiorfis atfene&ual^ and can rio more 
be reje&ed, then his fatisfa&ion, becaufe 
both are adh of his Pfieftly Office. 



f?.\ - ■■ 



'• r 



t 



-. * 



SER 



ii^ii. 



L*74J 



SERMON XH 



I Now proceed. to the third, and laft- 
branch of the Ufe, that hath been fo 
long infilled upon. To exhort thofe 
( if there be any fuch, and J have rea- 
fon to hope there are fome fuch ■} whofe 
Souls do profper, with whom it begins to 
be better* with fefpeft to the frame, and 
temper, of the hidden Man^ of the heart, 
then it hath been : To exhort them, to 
•give all diligence, that it may contihuc fo 
with them : That they may not lofe the 
tjiirigs they have wrought, but receive a 
fOB ftWitJ, 2. Epift. bf John v«£ 8. But 
keep them in that holy frame , Wherein- 
to the exercife of godlinefc hath brought 
them. 

But before 1 flievv what in order thereun* 
to is our duty ; I ihall premife five things to 
be confidercd. 

i. That aft abfolute fettlement of the 
-Soil in the fame highth and degree of this 
" fpi it al profperity, that is by fome attain- 
ed, s rarely, if ever, preferved for any long 
time together. There is a tincture of that 

mad- 



i % 7$] 
incfs which Solomon fpeaks of, Ecch 9. 3, 
tt, *^£ ffo foarf *f Afc tSwj if Men it full 
rvil, and madnefs is in their heart while 
y live. ) that remains, and always will re«* 
in in the hearts of the beft, when they 
at beft. Paul found it fo, Rom. j.%i,t 
( a Law, that when I would Jo good, evil is 
fent with me. And Mad-men feldonf 
itinue in any one temper, any long time 
jethen Therefore as it is with Men id 
pe& of their outward condition, though 
things may profper with them, and that 
* fome considerable time together ; as it 
is with Job ; He had his months where- 
the Candle of God did ihine upotl hira, 
d the fecret of God was upon His Taber- . 
cle ; when the Almighty was with him ; 
lien his Children were about him, Job xj>. 
),4- But id all thefe* we know,- he urifi 
rwent afgreat, and fad change ; the clouds 
theredopon him,anddatkned all his Sun- 
ine. David found it fo ; his fair weather 
as we ufe to fay ) did not laft always ' 
r al 3 o* 6, 7. He thought himifelf fetled id 
s Kingdom i abcfve danger of oppofitiori, 
it he round it othefwife ; God was offen- 
\d with him, hid away his face, and theft 
ch troubles cairie uporf him, as he never 
•eatn'd of. Even fo it hath been,' with 
oft thriving and growing Souls;, when 
tey thought they could ha ve iaid> as £>*- 



[i 7 6] 

?//*/, Pfel.i 08 * i, God, my heart is fixti % 

t iviUJing, and give praife ; Yet they have 

found, that even then it was with them, 

but as with a Ship at Anchor, which though 

it be not driven into the Maine, nor fplit 

againft the Rocks> yet it is often tofled up 

and down, and reels to and fro. Many fad 

inftances we have of this in the Scripture, 

that the moft gracious perfons have not 

always kept their principles of godlinefsio 

exercife, at the fame height ; no not thofe; 

wherein they have been moft eminent 

Neither Ahraham his Faith, nor Mofes his 

Meeknefs, nor Job his Patience. Even A* 

hrahams Faith, and Mofes his Meeknefe, and 

Job's Pati*ice, had their ebbings *nd flow- 

ings. And at this day, the more any Man 

Hudies his own heart, the more he will tell 

you, that in his own experience, he findsit 

fb; for many fuch changes are wrought by 

. the hand of the moft high : As inVefpett o 

• our natural ftate, Job. 14. x, He comet b 1 

as a flower , and continueth not : So very ( 

ten in refpedt of his fpiritual frame. 

2. As many have experienced ftrar 
and unexpected turns of Prpvidence, in 
foeft of their outward condition : So nc 
. hidden ly or unexpededly have they c 
rienced as great changes in their fpii 
condition. There are thofe, no doubf 
.'-.tclJ-yoQ, Tfat.Vwm^l^ea brougb 



■» 



• ■ • 

der the influences of cfcvine grace, and love, 
ifo as they have found much inward long- 
ing after more and more enjoyment of 
tjcfd, even then when they tound much 
fweet delight in what they did enjoy ; and 
this joined with ferious refolutions, of keep- 
ing more clofe to God ; and have thereupon 
hoped, that the word: had been paft, that it 
would nevef any more be with them, as it 
had been. Never ftiould they live ( fo they 
-hoped ) at fuch a diftance from God, as they 
had done; nor fhould their hearts wander 
from him, as in times paft: Yet after all 
this, very unexpectedly, like an ipftrument 
in change of weather, have they found 
.themfelves, as we fay, out of tune again. 
As thofe that dwell by the Sea-fitfe do fee, 
• that though the tide be now out,*and it be 
/ low water, yet upon a fudden all is over- 
flown again. Befides experience, we have 
fad inftfnees of this in Scripture, Jer.xo. 
13. Having in the words before profefled 
his aflurance of God's prefence with him, 
and protection of him, he now rowfeth up 
his Soul, from his former damp't, and dutn- 
pi(h condition, to a high degree of light- 
. lomenefs of fpirit, praifing God for his de- 
liverance from the hands otPafhur, and the 
reft of his Perfecutors ( before he was de- 
livered J out of an hopeful expe&ation of 
it, as if he had already received it But 

T 3 ho^ 



t*78] 

Ijow long doth this laft ? Sec ver. 14, Cuf- 
fed be the day ^herein twos lorn. A ftrange 
alteration, and fudden down-fall from fuch 
an height of confidence in verf. l%. and ftch 
a degree of comfort, w/ 13." to fuch 4 
low dejettion of fpirit, and fir ange diftem- 
per of mind, as inconfiderately to curfc the 
day of hi$ birth ; & thofe that brought his 
Father the report thereof. A lively pattern 
this is, of the truth of th# which we are 
/peaking of. An inftance not ffiuch unlike 
to this we find in Elijah. Compare 1 King. 
1 8, 1 8. where he told Ahab with fo much 
refolution; / have not troubled Ifrael, but 
thou, and thy Fathers houfe. ] with 1 King. 
19. 3. when being threat'ned by Jezebel, 
He arofe i and fled jor his life. ] What a fuck 
den change was this ? He that durft lay to 
AhaVs face, Thou, and thy Father's houfe 
have troubled Tfrael; that could fetch down 
both Fire and Water from Hea$n by his 
prayer?, that durft command the flaying of 
450 Priefts of Baal: yet he fhrinks at the 
'threats of a Woman* and wifheth to be rid 
t>f hi$ life, becaufe he was afraid to lpfe if. 
This was a ftrange turn in that holy Man's 
fpirit. But fo it hath been, and fo it is, 
fhai the pulfe of a fick Man, doth not more 
vary, then the temper of the Sou J of a found, 
jtnd upright Man : Thi§ day, pqrhaps f fome 
pommumon with God, fome Growings nigh 






1*79 J 

in holy duties, (bme good hopes, through 
grace, of acceptance with God, unto Eter- 
nal Life :. yet within a while, overcome 
4kain with deadnefs, ^nd darknefs, ftrangp 
Uatnefc and coidneis growing upon the ^aqe 
of the whole Soul ag^in, fa as it is nothipi 
the lame it was. Thus we fee, that thqug[ 
the (late of grace be fur?, + Tm. i. 19. yet 
the workings of grace ajq variable. The 
nature of \\ is urichange^le, but the de- 
grees of it are fqbje# to many changes, the 
operations of it to i^jny alterations. So 
that though the principles of godlineft be 
always like themfelves, yet the molt godjy 
Souls, that profper moft, are not always likp 
themfelves. 

3. As there may be fuch a ftd, and fifcjfkp 
change in the moft prosperous Soul that 
lives ; fo that may be loft in fuch a change, 
which will not be recovered but with very 
muchfcifficulf y. A Ship may eafily be born 
down the dream, but it is jiardly fetcht up 
again. A Man may lofe m,ore ftrengthirta 
few days fickpefs, thep can |>c recovered in 
many days. I have rp^ft qf fifevry the Krff, 
King of England a fober, and teo>perate 
Prince, that he furfeited with eating a Lara* 
prey, which coft him his life Thus one inr 
temperate meal may overthrow the tempe* 
ranee of * Mao's whole life ; for the feme 
Hiftory faith of that Jttngi, that he did felr 

T 4 doni 



[i8o] 

donj or never eat, but when he was hungry; 
or drink, but when he was thirfty, yet %hu$ 
he came to his end. Thus it may be in 
this matter, which we are fpeaking o£ J) 
ven the Soul that mounts aloft, by the fu]i- 
jplies of grace, as upon Eagles wings, if fpi- 
ritual drowfineis creep by degrees upon it, 
and that it begins to dally with duties, or 
to dally with (in, it may coft much fpiritu- 
"al wreftling, and driving with God, much 
heart- humbling, and mourning in the fight 
of God, before it recovers its former height, 
and heavenly tertiper. If a Watch be let 
fall, and receive a bruife, it mud be all tau- 
ten afonder, before it be brought to its for- 
mer exa&nefs, and evennefs of motion. 
Read the 5 cb. of the Canticles^ at the be* 
ginning ; there ye may perceive what hard 
work the Church had, in feeking after Chrift, 
before fhe found him again : We aad of 
David's firft days, as his beft days, z Xhron. 
'17. 3. Arid though it may eafily be proved 
^fat he recovered his former ftature both 
in ^race^ and comfort : yet it may as eafily 
be proved; that fccfeund it ho eawe matter 
to recover either the one or the other. And 
this his 7 penitential Pfalms do fufficiently 
prove. * » • * " • ; - . 

• ' q. Yet for all this, much may be done 
this^way, fo as i prospering Soul may con- 
iimti in its profp&ouS ftat* j more then the 



##••-•» 



moft careful Man in the World can do, for 
the continuance of the profperity of his 
worldly eftate : A Man may be looking to, 
and taking care for the well managing of his 
eftate, and yet whilft his eye is upon it, he 
may fee it upon the wing, and flying away 
from him, as the Eagle towards Heaven, far 
enough, out of his reach. See Job 1.14. 
JoFs Servants with great carp and diligence 
attended their Mailer's bufwef$, for thefe- 
curing his Cattel, and improving his ground, 
each of them according to theit place, and 
yet ye know, how fuddenly all was loft, fo 
that it came to be a Proverb, As poor as 
Job. But there is more certainty of God's 
prospering ferious endeavours in minding 
Soul-profperity. For if the occafions of fin 
be watched againft on§ day as Well as ano- 
ther; if the firft rifings of fin be checked, 
and fupnrefled; if grace be exercifed fuita- 
ble to tlte Providence of the day ; and Com- 
muqipn with God, in the duties of ReligU 
on, be made our great buftnefc of the day, 
fo far, aqd fo long as it is fo, fo far and fp 
Jong the Soul will continue to profper. 
And why all this may not be done one day 
as well as another, no reafon can be giver}. 
Thd promife of the afliftance of the fpirit 
for all this, is ready one day as well as ano- 
ther : And God is a God hearing prayers 
for all this, one day as well as another. Aqd 

there- 



[x8x] 

therefore, what is done one day, may be 
done another. It is faid ofRntchy Gen. ?. 
zz. That though the age he lived in were 
very corrupt, yet he walked with God, and 
lived in fome degree of emineacy \a the 
excrcife of the principles of godfcncfi, above 
others of the Servants of God, that were his 
contemporaries, and he had this te$iqioay, 
the Spirit of God witneffing, together with 
his Spirit, That he pleafid Gal, Heb» n.f 
And it is well known, that the bleflqdApo- 
ftle Paul, as he began, fo he continued, figh- 
ting a good fight, finilhing his courfe, keep- 
ing the faith, and living by faith, to his dy. 
ing day, as he faith/?*/, x* zo. x 7*?* 4.6, 7, 
And though his outward condition was, for 
the mod part, very low, yet his foiritual 
condition was very thriving, and flourifb 
ing ; though the one periihed daily, yet the 
other was renewed, z Cer. 4. 1 6. * 

5. Our labours, and endeavenus, how 
much foever we abound therein, will not 
be in vain, but be abundantly recompenfed, 
in the t?lefled fruits, and effe£b thereof. 
When a profpering Soul is carried on with a 
full gale in its holy courfe, the precious in- 
fluences of the Spirit of God, in, and by the 
Ordinances of God, will be fixed, aod the 
word will be fin abiding word, and not like 
thole human Ordinances, the Apoftle ipeafcs 
of, Col a. 22. which perifli in the iwing. 

And 



t*8 3 ] 
And as the matter requires, the word whkh 
ye hear at one time, will be brought to re- 
membrance at another time, as fob. 14. z6. 
and put the Sword of the Spirit into your 
hands, fo as to refift the amults of Satan, 
and difcover a temptation in time of temp* 
j?tion, before the heart be enfnared by it. 

(%.) To keep the heart humble, and hea- 
ven-ward, under a confluence of all world- 
ly comforts. To keep it calm, and well- 
compofed under all provocations from Men, 
and afflictions from God, fo as to run with 
patience the race that is fet before us ; hot 
ding on, till our courfe be finilhed. To be 
much above diftrafting fears, in time of dan- 
ger ; all of them being mightily fubdued 
in the reverential fear* and awe. of God ; 
yea to have our thoughts of death full of 
comfort, and our hopes of Eternal happi- 
nefSj full of well-grounded confidence .• To 
be able to live to God, whilft We five, and 
. to dye to God, when we dye* TTiefe, and 
. many fueh like, are the effe&s, and biefled 
confequences of this, fo tar as it profpers. So 
as all fuch whofe Souls do profffer, lee caufe 
. daily, not only to blefs their Gocfc ' but alfq 
as it is Ifa. 65. 16. To blefs themfelves in 
their God, whatever their condidotf'be: 
Therefore let not thefe confolations of Ogd, 
feem fmali unto us ; but engage us, accor- 
ding as'we are commanded, Qeut. 4. 9. To 




"'J 



[28 4 ] 

keep our Souls diligently, left we forget the 
[things which our eyes have feen, and lofe 
. thofe things which our hearts have wrought. 
Thefe things being premifed, I proceed to 
the Directions, ncceflary (as I fuppofe) to 
be obferved in this cafe. 

i. Souls that profper, being through the 
pfiiftance of the quickening pretence of the 
Spirit of God with them, well recovered 
. out of that fpiritual deadnefs, & benummed- 
nefs their hearts were funk into, mult take 
heed of Relapfes* Sin (as ye have heard) 
is the Souls ficknefs. Therefore as ye ought 
to take heed, that there be not any unmor- 
tifted rootpf bitternels in you, as Heb. 12. 
x;. So taxeheed of relapung into that fin, 
or thofe fins, whgjhcr of Omiffion, or Com- 
miffion, whatever they were, which brought 
.your Souls into, and kept them in that un- 
profpering, and unthriving condition ; un- 
der which ye groaned, and from which ye 
find your felves now, in fome good meafure, 
fo happily recovered. Thofe that are re- 
, covered out of a dangerous Difeafe, if they 
be not very careful, may relapfe again. And 
Relapfes, though they are not always mor- 
tal, yet they are always dangerous* It is 
fo with the Soul. In Levit. 13. 18, 19, 20. 
we read, that out of a bile that is healed, 
' there may fpring up a Leprofie, a Difeafe far 
more dangerous then the former, 

ft 



It is a fad, but a true charge upon tile 
Lord's profefling People of old, Hy* it. 7. 
that they were bent to back-Hiding. And 
this pronenefs hath been, as is too often, re- . 
duced into the aft. And no marvel, for 
whatever is nought, and reigns in the hearts 
of the worft Men, there isftill a remainder 
of it, in the beft of Men, Now it is as cer-< 
tain, as that two and three make five, that 
if the moft profperous Soul be not well 
look't unto, according to the fuitablenefe 
of the temptation, every old, ill quality will 
break forth again. For every thing that is 
natural ( as all ill qualities are to the Soul, 
and this of relapfing, and ba&fliding, as 
natural as any ) will return to their date, if 
fpecial care be not taken, to hinder it. As 
a (lone that is thrown up into the Air, will 
fell down again, when the force of the Arm 
that jhrew it up, is fpent .• And water will 
have its courfe downward, when 6nce the 
damm, that ftopt it, is broken down. 

This particular then is neceflary to be ' 
{boken to, and that fomewhat largely, which 
{hall be recompenced in fpeaking more brief- 
ly unto thofe other Directions that follow. 
* For if this be negle&ed, none of the reft will 
beobferved. 
Confider then, : 

1. That relapfing, and bflck-flidiftg in its 
general nature is dire&y, and in 1 %<M*. 



LOV 



manner contrary to the cxercife of thofe 
principles of godlinefs, which have the fame 
influence into the health, and well-fare of 
the Soul, as natural heat, and radical moi* 
(lure have into the health, and well-fare of 
the Body ; I mean Faith, and Repentance. 
By the exercife of Faith, we come to Chrift, 
fob. 6. 37, All that the Father hath given 
me, /ball come mto me. And by the exercife 
of Repentance, we turn unto God, Joel z. 
I z 9 Turn ye unto -me with allywr heart. Now, 
relapfing and back-fliding is a departure 
from God,/&£, 3 . 1 z • a drawing bacfc,£fc£ 
10.38. 

x. To bring this yet more clo&ly to the 
matter, I am fpeaking unto, we muft take 
notice, that this relapfing, or bade Aiding 
comes under a double oonSderation* 

• ^1.) There is a relapfingur back-ltiding 
which proceeds from the want of the princi- 
ples of godiinefs* • This is to be charged 
upon thofe that after illumination^ and con- 
vi&ion, having given up their Names to 
Chrift, and engaged in the profcffion of 
Religion : Tall firft £om*he pra&i(e, and/ 
it may be, at kft from the very profcfiion 
of Religion* firfl: from all appeafaOce of* 
exad and circumfpeft walking, to vanity, 
andloofnefs ; and then, it may be, i to i)pert 
prophanenBi^asthey^jL Pet. a. ao, Jfsftef 
they have efcufad the folutipns vf A the Worlii 

thriu$ 



(z8 7 ] 

through the knowledge of the Lord, and Sa- 
viour Jefits Cbrifc they are again entangled, 
an J overcome, the latter end is worfe with 
them, then the beginning. Thefe do not fall 
from the grace they had, but do indeed 
difeover, that they never had any. For 
•every one that hath the true principles of 
jxodlinefs in his heart, {hall perfevere in his 
gracious ftate : The Seed of God will re- 
main irf him, though he do not always re- 
main, in his gracious frame. The new-born 
Chf iftian is born a Conquerour • his victo- 
ry bears date from his birth, i Job. j. 4, For 
rihofoever is born of God , overcome th the 
World — and /hall at laft be more then conjue- 

(x* )There is a relapfing,and baek-fliding 
thrcnigh w«aknefs, or rather, as the truth is, 
for want of the exercife of the principles of 
godlfrie/s, whereby the heart is drawn fome- 4 
times One way, and fometimes another way . 
from God. "~ V 

(1.) Sometimes through violence of 
temptation, and the unmortified inclination 
of the heart, into fome outward aft of fin, 
which may come under the obfervation of 
others, as we may fee in Peter ; feveral times 
he was fufprized with felfifti fears, which 
brought forth fad effe&s. Once, when he 
tempted Chrift, not to hazard himfelf at Je- 
rnfalem) Mafcth* *& xx, 2a, 15. This Was 

from 



|>88] 

from his fear, left if it fhould go ill with his 
Mafter, it would not go well with him. 
This appears by Chrift's thereupon preffiog 
upon him, and all that would be his Difc 
ciples, the duty of Self-denyal, and the Do- 
ftrine of the Crofs, ver. 3 1. And then after 
that, when Chrift was arraigned, Matth. 26 
70. And after both thefe, we find bin) fal- 
ling into a grudging of the fame Difeafe,^ 
2.11,12. So John, the beloved Difciple was 
twice fur prized, fo far to forget himfelf, as 
twice to give that worfhip to the Creature, 
which was due to God alone, Rev. 19. 10. 
and chzz. 8. There are other grofs cor- 
ruptions, which ( as the Apoftle .faith ) are 
manifeft works of the fleflv It would be ao 
aftonifhing thing.if any that ever were alive 
to God* much more if any whofe Souls 
did ever profper, fhould back-Hide fo far, 
as into fuch dead works : This were a high 
degree of quenching the Spirit ; for Gal f. 
16, This I fay then, walk in thejpirit, and ye 
(hall not fulfill the lufts of the fle/h. 

2. There is a back-fliding through weak- 
nefs, or rather through want of exercife of 
the principles of godlinels, into many in- 
ward and fpiritual evils, which no eye feeth, 
but the eye of the moft holy God, who 
feeth all things, fuch as fpiritual dullnpfc, 
and lifllefhefs unto that which is good, as 
#7.64.7, There is none that calletb uto* 



thee, thatfti/teth up hitofelf td take holdbf 
thee 7 S6 as private duties are either omit- 
ted in their Seafon j or Ihuffled up iri a flight, 
and formal manner. Though God be the 
obje& of the duty* yet the enjoyment of 
God is not made the end of the duty : when 
the heart grows vain, goes in and out, con* 
ftant id nothing but inconftancy, afliiming 
unto it felf a lawlefs liberty, as if there werd 
none to obferve it, none to judge ; eafily 
drawn away to forgetfalnefs ot God, flU 
ding away > without any obfervation, front 
under the power of all obligations to the 
Contrary* Relapfes of this nature, though 
they do riot prefently make any great noile* 
in the World, yet it will not be long, be± 
fore they will be feen in fad effe£te; and bg 
difcerned in more vifible fflifcarriages. If 
they be indulged, they are great enemies 
to Soul-grolperity ; and will prove the ve^ 
ry bane* and break-neck of that thriving^ 
and pf ofperous frame* the Soul was grown* 
or growing into. This is then ferioufly to 
be confident of* by all thofe whdfe SouM 
begin td profper, and when it begins to be 
better with them* then it hath beerv in re-,. 
fpeft of their inward frame, and temper of 
the hidden man of the heart ; as ever they de- 
fire they may continue fo^and lofe the things 
which they have wrought, to beware of re* 
lapfes* Ye have hoard that ye are not er* 

V empted 



effipted from them, nor exempted from a 
poifibility, Hek 3.12, Take beeJ y B retire*, 
leH there be in any &fyo*i an evil heart if 
unbelief, in departing frm the Living Gm. 
As if the Apoftle had laid ; That which I 
fpeak to one, I fpeak to another, I fpeak to 
all ; therefore let every one take heed. 

Now that which I find in Scripture pref. 
led upon us, for preventing fuch relapfes, 
is to have a watchful eye over, and a con- 
ftant hand upon all the inward workings, 
and (linings of the inward Man, for from 
thence they have their rife, as ye may ob- 
serve in feveral forts of Trees, their decay 
is firft obferved in the withering of the 
boughs, but it begins in the root, which 
fails in fending up lap into them, as former- 
ly. Even fo it is here ; which way foever 
relapfes, are difcover ? gl, they tegia from 
within, PfaL 44. 1 8, Our heart is ntt turned 
back : neither have eur fiefs ikctined frm 
thy way. Profeflours firft fall from their 
apprehehfions of the neceflky of drcura- 
^tOt walking ; their tonvi&ions of the 
goodneis of the ways of God, wear offi and 
their affe&ions decay ; and the works of 
the flefti break forth, and manifeft them- 
feives by degrees. Therefore as ever we 
defire to hold faft. what we have received, 
be fure to keep the heart with aU diligence, 
■as Prov. 4. %%. Where, 

(1.) 




(i .) Our jerfonal care is required, Keef* 
thy heart* 

(*.) Our principal care, Hteep it; with* o# 
gtKjye'ali keeping. 

As it is witji the heart, rtatu 
dered, if that fegin to tremble, or be in fear? 
or apprebenfion of danger t the blood ancf 
fpirits (as it is ohferved ) yill forlake the 
tMWZtd parts; and run to that, to guard 
tUEu) fuecour it, the lead: wound therein be- 
ing mortal, if it be but with the pricking 
of a Pin. Thus the hejirt is kept in its na- 
tural capacity ; but the natter We are fpea- 
king of, is touching the keeping of the heart 
in its spiritual capacity ; and keep' it we 
ought with ail diligence ; watch it by nighty 
and by day ; at home, and abroad ; whe£ 
we are in company, add When we are alone, 
at ail times, and in all places ; yea, as the. 
Apoftle prefleth it on timothy, W«icb in ad 
t fangs, » Tim* 4.5^ 

Now this keeping, this Watching the 
heart, hath Special reference to the inward 
workings, and (taxings of corruption/ 

( jl. ) To prevent ( in the ffrerigth of 
iChrift) fe far as tnay be prevented, in thisf 
State of imperfection* the fir<ft ri&ngs of 
them, of Atif one kirid wbatfoeraf ;' how- 
ever to prieitoht, if poifilple (and poflibleit 
is ) that the Corruption^ and the Tertipta- 
tion, may t?e kept afurider, Mattb* ^6. 41, 

V % Watckf 



1 



fVatch y and fray > that ye enter mot into tenf* 
tation. Otherwife, there will be fad work; 
and the profperky of the Soul will begin to 
fade, and that upon the fudden. Though 
Hezekiah, as holy a Man-as h^wos* arid how 
much focver his Soul did- profper, ( and 
profper it did exceedingly.) yet he had al- 
ways a root of pride in him: whkrh though 
it did not ftir him to (hew his Trcafures to 
every body, yet when he fell into the temp- 
tation,, by occafian of the vifit he had, from 
the King of Babylon* by his Ambafladours ; 
then the Corruption, and the Temptation 
did meet, and ye iriay read, in the hiftory, 
how much the welMare of r his Soul was 
prejudiced by it. So it was with David; 
he. had* though'* Man after God's own 
heart, the fame root of the fame corruption 
in hims yet it did hot break forth, fo as to 
abate any thing of his Souls profperity, till 
the temptation met with it, To 4iave his 
fubje&£ numbred's neither had it then, if 
he had watched, as Peter did* to keep the 
temptation and the corruption afunder. See 
' Aci\ .8. 20, Thy money perijb v\ith thee y faid 
Peter to Simon Magus. The temptation 
was Suitable, iot Peter was out of money. 
Alt. 3. 6, Silverwnd gold have I none. And 
-Pint was not fo'perfeft, astoiw beyond 
the power of the temptation ; kbit he kept 
the temptation from mingling: with what 

# corrup- 



^4 



4 



"[■^3-3 
orruptkw foetfer was ih his heart ; and fo 
he grteious frame of h» heart continued 
intoud* iby' it.< ! S6 Dkyi^i Sami6s 10, 
tf *^ flte /Kf*g jfSi^ w&tf *ww / /* do with 
du,y6 5dw:i/'Zerviah^ 7& let him cttrje, &d 
4e was fubjeOrto the faaie paffions with 
>ther Men r but by the affiftance ( no doubt ) 
>f the Spirit of God, he kept th6 temptati- 
on, and* the corruption sfdHder ; arid lo his 
Joul : profpered .the 'better for that try- 
il. . u ,'• -\ ,. "'v--' .* 

a . i If there ihould be • ( as- there is great 
Ignger there may be) a h& tneeting 1 (lb it 
s, andfo it wiflbefoun<J)<tfetwixt rfte cor- 
uption, and the temptation/ then endea- 
vour, by the affiftance of the fpiriti that 
rour own fpirits may immediately rife up 
n indignation, againft it, and after fome 
learty ejaculations for the prefent, with the 
irft opportunity, with hearty loathing, and 
xi ward felfabhorrency, bring forth the 
:emptation, and the corruption to the law 
>f God, and fee them there condemned, and 
:o the bloocf of Chrift, and fee them there 
pardoned ; and to the fpirit of Chrift, that 
thereby att may be fubdued, and mortified, 
keally, a Soul that defires to profper, and 
to continue to profper, ihoald as kindly 
work in a heart-melting, and a heart-hum- 
bling way, for thefe finful ftirrings of the 
heart, before God, as for finful words, and 

V 3 fio&l 



finfui a&ions before Men, ffak rh * % f * 
foolijh was hand ignorant^ even as a bfafi fc 
fore thee. It is, or fljould be with the Soul 
that orofpers. as it is with the eye* if a fc&Il 



duft get into it, it will nevfcr leave twink- 
ling, and watering till it be otrt, % thnm. 3 1, 
%6 y Hezekiah humited himfelf greatfy for \ht 
pride rf his heart, Rom. 7. 24, O ifrrefcbti 
wan that Iam^ who jball deiiver nit from tbt 
tody of this death. He fpeaks of the la# 
in his members, warring againft the law of 
his mind, verf, %y This is the wiy to pre* 
Vent relapifes into fin, frhich is t&e Sou\\ 
ficknefs, and if not prevented or timely hea- 
led, will overthrow the profperity of profpe* 
king Souls* ■ • ' 






SER- 



»- * 



t 2 95 J 



4- 

a. 



^■^ 



SERMON XHL 




S Souls that begin to profper, 
arid have any cfefire to conti- 
nue ib, ought to keep them- 
selves under the greateft obli- 
gations that are imaginable to beware of 
Relapfes .• So they ought with as great care, 
and conftancy, to realize the prefence of 
God with them, day by day. For it is, 
without t aH centtoverfie, true* that the ex- 
ercife; arid fo, by confequence, rfie growth, 
and increafe of the principles of godlkiefs, 
whereki Soul-profperky fpeciafly confifts, 
is foudded upon, and preferved by the due 
confideration of God's prefence with us, 
and his aH- feeing eye upon us. This is that 
which is ipeciaTly comprehended in that 
expreflion of walking with God, and walk- 
ing before God. And this is as fpecially to 
be obferved, That thofe that did fo, wbiift 
they did fo> thek Souls profpered* We 
have it exemplified in Enoch, Gen. f • zz. 
And he had this t eft wony, that he f leafed 
God 3 Heb. 1 1 . $. So Nvah 7 Gen, 6. % lhab 
was ajnfi Man, andperfeEk in his generations, 

V 4 and 



and Noah walked with God. So David, Pfal. 
•&&X I have walked in thy truth. PfaLucj. 
i#f, IfoveJcept they precepts i *ndjty tejli. 
V monies, for til my ways are befort tJ/ie.C> This 
/ was the bed teftimony, that Solomon his 
Son could give of him, when he was dead, 
I King. $ . 6, Thou hajl Jhewed unto thyfer- 
pant . JDavid my Father, great merq/ 9 accou 
ding (u he walked before thee, in truth, an J 
righteoqfnefs, and in ufrightnefs of fear t with 
thee. l This is that which God gives in 
charge to Abraham, and that upon fhi$ ac? 
.count, Gen. 17. i, —walk before me y and be 
thou perfeft. As thou defireft ( and I know 
thou defireft) to hald fad thine integrity : 
Let me live in thy thoughts, and, fge to it, 
that thou fo live,, fo think, fo fpesjk, and (q 
do, 4$ ;j rememtbring thou art ail way $ iq my 
fight. /This is that: which ;hath a very 
great influence, to draw , as it* were, 
fhe draught of the Image of GocJ, id ay by 
day iij . pur Souls, in more and mors lively 
colpurs. For in the ftate of glory, the glo- 
rified Saints that are with the Lord, and 
always behold his face are like him, and fee 
him a£ lie is, 1 Job. 3, 2. Even fo it is in the 
flate 0} grace, fo far as this duty is confci- 
en£ioui]y obferyed, and difcljarged, x Cor. 
3.. iS y Wf all with of en face >, beholding as in 
4 glafs ? the glory of the l*ord % are changed in- 
$Q t fas fame image, fr { om glory to glory, eve% 



as ly thejpirit of the Lord. It is true, it is not 
laid of Mofes, that his face did fliine the firft 
time, that he had been with God in the 
Mount, but when he had been with him the 
fccond time, Exod. 34. 29. This then is that 
we ought to have deeply engraven upon our 
hearts, as ever we dqfire not' to lofe the 
things we have wrought, to do as David 
did3.PfaL.16. 8, 1 have fet the Lord always 
before myfacf. [ Always ] that implies that 
we ought to make it our daily work : what 
a Man does every day, he is laid to do Ak 
ways. And £ Always ] /. e. one day as well 
as another, to bur laft day. This is no 
morp then is exprefly required, Prov.%^. 
17, Be thou in the fear of the Lord, all the 
day long. Andi Pet.i, 17 , — pafs the time 
ofyourfojourning here in fear. It is the ex- 
ercife of the fear of God, which hath a very 
great influence upon Soul-profperity, % Cor. 
7. i, — per feeing hotinefs in the fear of God. 
And it is this realizing the prefence of God, 
which hath the great influence into the ex: 
ercife of the fear of God. Hence it is, that 
true child-like. Fear is faid to be, fearing be- 
fore God ; that is, but of an awful reipeft 
unto, ,and due cohfideration of his All-fee- 
ing eye, Eccl. 8. rx, — // (hall be well with 
them that fear God, that fear before him. 
This is that then,, which above all other 
filings ought not to be omitted, for the ve- 

' ' .- ' ' * - ' * ' ' ' jy 



[2 9 81 

ry finews of all heart-godlinefc are, as it 
were, cut in fonder , fo far as this isnegled- 
ed For there is nothing left then, which 
hath any power over the inward man; the 
hidden man of the heart, but it enjoys a 
lawlefs liberty, as if there were none to ob- 
serve it, nor to judge it 3 Epift. of J*i* 
Ver. xi, Be lave d, follow not that which is 
evil, but that which is good. He that dottb 
good is of God, but he that doeth evil, hath 
notfeen God. Deut 3 %. 1 8, Of the Rock that 
begat thee, thou art unmindful \ and baft for* 
gotten God that formed thee. All their wic- 
kednefs is charged upon that 

I fhall fay no more to this Second ge- 
neral Direction, but only thefe Three 
things. 

f 1.) That untill the Soul be fpirirually 
alive to God, and fo in a capacity of prof- 
pering, there is neither delight, n6r defire 
to entertain any thoughts of God, Rm. 1. 
18, And even as they did not like to retain 
God in their knowledge. They caft the no- 
tions of God out of their minds, as of no 
ufe to them, Pfal. 10. 4, God is not in all 
his thoughts, i. e. Not in his thoughts at 
all, 3^21.14, they fay to the Almighty, De- 
part from us, for we defire not the knowledge 
if thy ways. Some lay fo in words at length, 
2nd all of them fay it in their hearts. Tho 
God faith, Wo unto you, when I depart from 

yo* 



[ *9? ] 
ye*, Ho£ p. i %. Yet they think it beft when 
he departeth from them $ and the farther 
the better* This frame of heart is the re- 
ts blacknefe of Hellilh darknefs. It foeakfc 
the very language of Satan, Mattb. 8. i$, 
Wfett l*f e ivtt* do mih thee, thvu Jefttt, 
the Sow ofGtd; Art tbo* come tio torment us 
before the time ? Thus it Was of old, Ifd; 
30. ii, Ctmfe the My one o/ffratl to teaje 
from us. 

(x.) Though the Soul be alive to God, 
yet fo far as the Image of the old ^&/» & 
uflthortified) and any partfculaf lull: indttt- 
ged, fo far God and the heart will be ftrafe 
gera Not only the beam but even fachli 
moat in the eye* will make futh Souls, to 
Aran, what they tan, the prefbhce of Got), 
and the prcfertce of thofe who, they think, 
Will &eaft the mind of God unto them ; as 
Ahab did the pttfence of MicMah, 1 Jfiarg. 
zi. 8. Sach Souts are "for from profperini 
This is die very image of old Adam;Geu.\. t, 
£fe heard the Wice tf <Soet t >m& bid h'mfitf 
from the. prefence if the Lord. 

3. Even thole whofe Souls dolive, *fl& 
in fome meafure-, may be ftid to prpjfper, 
though they dare hot omit any external 
duty of Religion, yet they do too often, and 
too eafily Hip over this, without timety 
obfervation, till they take a review of 
their hearts, and then they fee they have 

kit. * * r 

caufe 



[300] 

caufe to fay, as Pfal. $6, u. Unite my 
heart to thee, that I may fear before thee, 
^11 the day long: Or unite my heart with- 
in it felf, that it may not be diverted, or 
diftra&ed, not carried this way, and that 
way, but that X may be able to fey, It is 
fixed, it is fixed. Thus I fay it is, and that 
too often with Souls that profper according 
to their meafure. Therefore we ought to 
charge our felves with this duty, and re- 
new the charge from day to day. To fet 
pur felves ; under the adual confideration 
of Gods All feeing eye;! who hath abfo- 
lute Soveraignty over us ; to whom alone 
we mud ft and or fall ; who can tell us all 
our thoughts, and will render to every Man 
according to his works ,r and therefore hath 
a Book of remeipbranqe for thofe that think 
upon him, an^ fear his name, Mal.y 16. 
And hath %.bag for iniquity, wherein he 
'doth, as it \j^, fell up mens fins to bring 
(hem forth \^ charge them 

upon evefy : one as the matter requires. 
And as God is faid to have a Book, 1 and a 
Bag, fol^is,^ijko have a Bottle, Pfal $6. 
8, Put f^J^s into thy bottle % are they not 
ix.tby hootLM^ I fay, we, fhould icharge 
topon our tear js, and renew this charge from 
day to day, tiU We have fome power aver 
them. For p though it be; true, that God 
alone hath the Soveraignty- over, and is the 



great 



3°0 

great difpofer of our hearts, yet under him,' 

we may do much. What Man is there* 
whofe confciencc will not tell him, if he 
confult with it, that when his heart is flat, 
and dead, alienated from all ferious thoughts 
of the prefence of God with him, that this 
is his own negleft, his own willful neg- 
left ; for he knows that when he hath a bu- 
finefs to manage of any confiderable con- 
cernment for his outward eftate, he can 
eafily command his heart to think on it, 
yea and cannot put it out of his mind, when 
he would ; fo that The abundance of the rich 
mUnotfujfer him toJkep,Ecc\. 5. 12. There- 
fore let us not negleft any longer to exer- 
cife that authority, which God hath given 
us over our hearts, if we defire our Souls 
fhould continue to profper : We muft ferve 
him in righteoufhefs, and holinefs all our 
days, and every day : But all we do will 
come tfery far fliort, not only of what it 
ought to be, but of what it might be, un- 
lefs we do what we do, before him, as in 
his tight, LuLi.y 5. 

Thus of the Second Dire&ion* 
3. Spiritualize the Providences of every 
day : I mean, improve them to fome fpiri- 
tual advantage ; to as thereby fome gracious 
imprcffions may be wrought upon your 
hearts ; that thereby the duties of the day 
may be better performed ; principles of god- 

linefs 



linefc more feafo»aJ?ly exercifed ; a^d tjic 
workijigs, and ftirrings of corruption ipoj$ 
timely checkt, and throughly wrtified 
This will exceedingly help ( fcarce any 
thing more) to preferve the Soul in it$ thri- 
ving, and profpering frame. Confider then* 
that every day, in refpefifc of tlje Provicjeq- 
ccs of God, it is filled up withal, is either 
one of thpfe two days mentioned, fUclef.^ 
14. Either a day of Profpprity, or a c&y of 
Adverfity* Or elfe like that d?y , meojtio* 
md,Zec%. 14.6. Neither cl#ur, ripr da^ 
but mixt ; mercies givpfl in, one part of the 
day, and crofles taking thgir turn ip the 
other. Now, it hath been experienced to 
be a great means of promoting and prefer- 
ying $oul-profperity, to jjwritj^lue ioth 
the one, and the otKer, 

(1.) If the day be a day of Proffexsty, 
/. e. if no evil helalls us^ but that according 
to the promife, PfaU i%u 7,8* The Lor 4 
fiall preferve thee from evil: The Lor4fi>aH 
prefirv.e thy gfihg out, an J thy cqmitg ix. 
When God bfefleth the beginning, and end- 
ing of what we undertake ; this hath enough 
in it, to raife up in our hearts, high thoughts 
of God* that hp ffaouid load us with benefits. 

Pkl. 6.0. xp. Such as oaay be very «ffeG#- 
al to keep us under tfcofe obligations, wliick 
his bounty , ajad .gpotfriefc lays upon us. 
Thus it wxouglic m DaviJ,N& 116. He 
" - ' ■ i$ 



13 W J J 
is reckoning up the mercies of Cod toward 
him : Then vcr. $. He exalteth God in hi* 
heart : And vcr. 7. His Soul retires into 
God, and takes up its reft, and fatisfy&ioa 
in him alone : And vcr. 9. He heightens his 
refolution. Thus it was with David, and 
thus it may be with us : Especially, when 
the thriving proipering Soul hath ground 
and reafon enough to fee the prefent mer- 
cies, of what kind foever they be, as having 
relation unto, and being pledges of Eternal 
mercies. This fweetens them, and heigh- 
tens them, how little foever, how commoqi 
foever they be ; that they may fay as Da- 
vid, x Sam. 7. i$>Who am /, and what is my 
fathers foufe ? This makes them more 
heart-melting, more heart-obliging, then 
ctherwife they would be, or poflibly can 
be to any Soul, that is either dead in fin, 
or in a dying, withering, languiftiing con- 
dition/ Six pence received only as a fix 
pence, doth not affeft the heart like that 
which is received as an earneft of a greater 
Sum, which fhall certainly upon fuch a day 
be given to us ; fo it is here, when we can 
conclude, that he who kept us this day 
from evil, that it hath not grieved us, as 
Jaics prayed, vChronq. 10. and hath gi* 
ven us quiet , and comfortable reft this 
night ; can, and certainly will keep us by 
his mighty power, through faith, unto i& 

vation : 



[3°43 

vation ': and this nights reft is a pledge un« 
to us of Eternal reft, in thofe heavenly man- 
iions above, in our Father's houfe. And 
this conclufion, though no Man elfe can, 
yet thriving, and profpering Souls may 
make. 

*., If the day be a day of Adverfity, a 
day filled up with fad tidings, or fad events, 
yet the Providences of fuch a day may be 
fpiritualizcd, to the fpiritual advantage of 

* the Soul. By a believing confideratiori 
from what hand they come ; as fo&'&id 
-ch. i.ver. xi y The Lord gave, and the Lord 
hath taken away. For what caufe ? A man 
for the punijhment of his Jin; him. 3. 39. 

What God aims at therein; fc. our profit* 
that we might be partakers of his holinefs. 
From what principle? David believed, that 
it was in faithfulnefs to the intereft of his 
Soul, that God afflided him, Pfal. 1 19. 7^ 
A believing confideratidn, I lay, of thefe 
things, in luch a fad and dark day, will 
conduce to prefer ve the Soul in a profpering 
frame : By melting down the will into the 
will of God, and by raifmg up the heart 
in the exercife of faith, hope, and patience ; 

w quietly to wait for fupport under, benefit by, 
and, in due time, fuch a deliverance from 

; them all, as they (hall be able to fay, to the 
praife of God's tree grace, truth, and faith- 

* iulrtefe/ $s'-J'a:o£ 9 notwithstanding all his 

troubles 



roubles in his life-time; which were fiei- 
her few, nor fmall, did on his Death-bed 2 
Chat the Lord delivered him from ail evil* 

^#.48.16. 

3. If the day be a mixt day, as moft days 
re, fome comfort^ fome crofles, fome things 
;oing for us, and fome things againft us ; 
hefe parti-coloured Providences may b$ 
piritualized for our Souls advantage ;. and 
>e unto us as the fide-wind . to this Ship, 
hat bed fills all the Sails, variety of graci- 
>us principles may be exercifed* In fuph i 
ay we find enough to humblfc us, enough 
make us thankful and thoughtful what 
a, render unto the Lord. That it is no 
/orfe,. That it is fo well, as the King of 
\futn iaid» when he heard of the raifcarrir 
gc of bis Fleet in Eighty eight, whether 
ie faid fo, ot no* depends upon the credit 
f the Hiftorian. Bum I am fure the Pro* 
>het Jeremiah faid* Lam. 3. ±x,„ It is of the 
jards mercy j • that we are ajflifled, ana ttpt 
mfumedx caft down, but not eaft off. Look 
that place once again, Ecclef. j* 14, In 
be day rfadverjtty, confider* What ihould 
ve connder f Why confidejr this, an4 mark 
t well, that both thefe days, with all theii^ 
tilings up, are from the Lord. That it & 
ie, who thusfets the one againft the other ; 
hat we may fee that his account will be fo 
talanced, that our receipts when they are 

X feaft, 



?- 



t 



.•> 



leaft, witt balance our fufferings, when 
are moft. And that therefore' we 
enough fo reafon our felves both into a 
million, and into a thankful frame, J 
9,10, Strait we receive good at the ban 
Go<f, and JbaS we not receive evil i 
vmM not thgfe, think ye, keep our 2 
in: a < thriving, and prospering frame 

<■ di Bcfides ail thefe,' we meet with ; 
panages, iti what, we hear, 1 and fee, \» 
chough they ^o not immediately touq 
yjrt may be thus Mr itualteed . Every < 
t«re of God test Test A>r our hearts to 
feme Db&f lines, ibtfte ^fiw&lMedhai 
from. > We ha vfe ^ Proverb, that th 

derftfind Atskai ■'•• ! .$he?e - is. ' Rocbing 
<»efttts WntJe¥^ffr r oWeMtiofl, bot there 
be ettfeadKP fw«n* & dome inference i 
tntfr, ^ereptojF. <Mif thoughts about, 
tffet to fei^^u*t>ofH ev^i, to keej 
$6afc iWiltet? ^Jbtf fratt»%-Mbcas a Be 



$teffbf 4ft && ^ofptni)gjfr»irituali2ing 
may, antfterdo^ought,- to endeavot 
'' #Sta^-&me«gMl otit: *tf every thing ■;• 
•out of'igS ^Vni:and'<*HlrtMens foiiiii 
^'may'r^id, FAi?. »4. j|di 3 1, 31,, /a/d 
frte r « : " tmjitfd <fibe$6ttfi»1^&UoUdup»* h 



L3°7j 
received infyru&hm Upon this ground, a* 
mong others, the principles of godlinefs are 
called, a partaking of the Divine Nature, 
x Pet. t. 4. For as God* according to his in** 
finite power, and wifddm, brings light out 
of darknefs ; good out of evil : Even fo 
may the principles of godlinefs much more, 
out of every good thiftg, though of a very 
mean concernment. And would not this 
help to preferve it in its profperous frame ? 
It would fore. That Man is like to thrive^ 
who gains by every thing he deals in : And 
that Soul is like to continue to. profpcjfr 
which raifeth Earth into Heaven, and fetclfc 
eth Heaven out of Earth ; as every one doth, 
fo far as he is faithful in the fore-mentioned 
particulars* And befides, it is one of rhe 
beft helfte that I know of, to make improve- 
ment of that portion of our time, which runs 
between one folertm duty and another, 
which otherwife would lye upon our hands, 
and be rendered ufelefs, as to Soul-concern* 
ments. 

4. Another great work which profpering 
Souls have to do, in order to the prcferving 
of themfeiveS in a profpering frame, is this .- 
To preferve a deep fenfe of their (piritual 
poverty, when it is beft With them, in t$t 
pe<9: of Soul-profperity- The Apoftle taut 
from the firft day after his converfioft to 
the day of his diflblution(for ought we ready 

X 1 or 



[308] 

or have any appearance to fufpedt to the 
contrary) did thrive, and prolper in his fpr 
ritual eilate. His inward man was renew- 
ed daily, z Cor. 4. 16. Yet what he thought 
of himfelf, we find by what he fpeaks of him- 
felf> Rom. 7. 23, 24, Ijind another law in my 
members >war ring againjl the law of my mind— 

wretched Man, that J am . z Cor. 3. 

£, Not that we arefufficient to think any thing 

as of our f elves . Eph. 3. 8, Vnto me who 

am the leafi of all Saints ; is this grace gi- 
ven . This is as needful a dire&ion, as 

ahy of the reft. For it is a hard matter to 
ftarve this fin of pride, and felf-exalting 
thoughts, becaufe it will feed almoft, upon 
any thing. Nothing fo good,yea nothing fo 
mean, but pride will feed upon it Aljolom 
was proud of his long locks, he wore his 
hair To long, that when he polled it , it 
weighed about four pound in weighty x Sam. 
14. 26. But I fpeak not now of this kind of 
pride: but of that kind of pride, which, 
without fpecial care, may breed out of thofe 
excellent things, which are found in prof- 
. pering Souls ; as pride of gifts; There is the 
root of that pride in a profppring Soul, 
which Solomon ipeaks of, Pro. 18. x, A fool 
hath no delight in under (funding, but that 
his heart may difcover it felf. Of that in 
the Pharifee* Luk. 18. 11, God, I thank thee, 
lam not as other men are. Joh. 7. 49, This 

people 



• C3°9] 
people which knoweth not the law^ are accur- 
fed. Pride of Grace : Though corruption 
that is in the heart, hates the grace, that is 
in the heart, yet it is apt to be proud of it, 
when it is taken notice of. Grace cannot 
be proud : but he that hath it, may be proud 
of it. As Paul was in danger of being lif- 
ted up, and exalted above meafure, through 
the abundance of revelations, which were 
given unto him, x Cor. 12. £. Npw, which 
way foever pride ^vorks, ye will find it 
like the wind, fometimes at one door, fome- 
times at another. Refill it, for God refifteth 
that Man, that doth not refill it, Jam. 4 <& 
He gives more grace to thofe that walk 
humbly with him, but he refills the proud, 
by abating, and leflening what he hatf given. 
So far as the heart begins to be.Kfted Op, (b 
far it is naught, how good foeVfer it was be- 
fore, Hal. 2. 4, Behold, his Soul which is' lif- 
ted up, is not upright in him. Therefore 
whenfoever the inward man begins to be . 
renewed, and that it begins to be better in 
the frame and temper of the heart, then for- 
merly.* Then watch, and pray that ye % <jt> '' . 
not fell into this temptation. And eon&fer, 
when it is at bed with us, how mucli we 
come (hort of the holinefs of that rule we -> 
ought to walk by, and of the holinefs of that . 
God which is propofed for our pattern; ' 
1 Pet. 1*15, As he which hath called yon is 

X 3 bofyi \ 



[jio] 

holy ', fo he ye holy in all manner of catruerfa* 
tion. Let us compare our felves with that 
Rule, and with that Pattern,and the bright - 
ihining beams of the Sun will not difcover 
more motes in the Air, then the holinefs of 
God, and his Jaw, would convince us of fin 
to be in us. And when it is at beft with 
us, would make us to fee reafon to com- 
plain of our felves as Paul did, Hop. 7. 14, 
The law is fpiritual, but I am carnal, fold 
under fin : And to pray as, PfaL 143.x, En- 
ter not into judgment with 'thy fervant, for 
fn thy fight /ball no Man living be juftified, 
And in the ftrength of Chrift to refolve, as 
Phil. \. 13, 14, / count not my felf to have 
apprehended; but this one thing I do, for get- 
ting thofe things which are behind, and re ach- 
ing forth to thofe things which are before: 
I prefs toward the mark — . As knowing 
that the Soul never profpers fo much, but 
it may profper more ; for no Man knows 
when he hath all the grace he (hall have ; 
And if we do not endeavour that we may 
profper more, things will not profper long, 
z Pet.$. 1 7, 1 8, Beware left ye alfo being led 
away with the err our of the wicked, fall from 
your own (ledfaftnefs ; But grow in grace— — - 
"f ye grow not, ye will fall from your fied- 
allnels which ye have attained unto. 

5*. As we fhould realize the prefence of 
Cod with us daily, and keep our Souls un- 

der 



[3"] 

der God's eye : So put them over, and their 
well-fere, and profperity into God's hands,* 
to preferve them. We know that Job |>rofc 
pered in his outward eftate, fo long as God 
kept up the hedge about him, and all that 
he had, Job. 1. 10. Soit is with our Souls* 
They, and the gracious principles that are 
in them, are preferved in, and by his hand, 
Jude v. I. Santlified by God the Father ', and 
preferve din Chrift Jeftu. 2 Chron.3z.26, , 
Hezekiah humbled himfelf far the pride of 

his heart. When David's Soul was iiKS- 

»■.■«■■ 

profpering frame ; fee how he prays, 1 £#&. 
29. 1 8, Lord God — keep this for ever /ftij&r 
imaginations of the thoughts of thy peopte£& 
i. e. That thote gracious impreffions might 
not wear off. It is worth our obferving, 
that the Lord Jefus knew what extraordi- 
nary gifts and graces the Apoftles \tere to 
receive'; yet all this would not do, if God 
fliould let them go out of his hand, Job* 
17.6. 

6, And laftly : Becaufe there will be re- 
mifnefs in obferving this, and what other 
Dire&ions ye may have from the wordi 
whereby the well-fare of the Soul may be 
endangered, as by Communing with our 
own hearts, we (hall find, be fure, that ever , 
now and then, as the matter requires, we • 
fet time apart for more ferious examinati- 
on, humiliation, and renewing the, «&tc& 

X 4 . <* 



»■." _ 



v- 



of repentance, faith, &c. Such times are like 
(cowing times, which Veflels ftand fome- 
times in need of, though wafhed every day. 
This is' the way, if there be any defeft, to 
fet all things right again, Rev. 2. 5, Remem- 
ber whence thou art fallen, and repent, and d$ 
thyfirfi works. 

Thus I have fhewed you, what the work 
is, that profpering Souls have to do, if they 
defire (and they ought to defire it with all 
their might, and all their ftrehgth) that they 
may profper ftill. It is a work that never 
mull be at an end, while the Soul is in the 
Body. I fay no more to it,but conclude with 
that 1 Cor. 10. ix, Let him that ftandeth y 
take heed left he fall. If any think that thefe 
Directions are too many, I fuppofe that up- 
on farther confideration, thofe that do 
think fo, may fee reafon to think otherwife : 
For fo far as I can apprehend, nbfone of 
them can be fpared $ they one help another, 
Thofe that underftand nothing of a Watch, 
may, poffibly, wonder, what need there 
•ihould be of fo. many Wheels, fo near one 
another, and that they will but hinder one 
another; but thofe that have understanding 
in thing? of this nature, dp know, that one 
Wheel helps forward another. It is fo 
here. 

This is all I have to fpeak upon this branch 
pf the Ufe. I cow proceed to a few worcfc 



tQ 



[3i3 1 
to each of thofe two Cafes, mentioned the 
laft day. 

i. How a Man may manage the bufinels 
of his calling, and all his worldly affairs, fo 
as to promote his profperity in the World, 
and not prejudice, but thereby farther his 
Soulrprofperity > 

jinf. i. It is, without queftion, not only 
lawful, but every Man's duty, to be dili- 
gent in his calling, and to manage it with 
honefty, and Integrity tp his bed advantage, 
that he may profoer in the World ; in refo* 
rence to thofe enas, for which Callings were 
ordained. That he may eat the labour of 
his hands, Pfal. 128. 1. and not eat his fin* 
gers ends, as it is (aid of idle perfons. That. 
with quiet nefs he work , and eat his own hread, 
2 Thef. 3. 11. And be helpful to others* 
is/>£.4.28.Therefore,he ought to be diligent 
to know the ftatc of his nock, and to look 
well to his herds, Prov. 27. 13/2,4. 'Not to 
leave all to the care of his fervants- Under 
this one particular, a provident care over 
Mens eftates in every other Calling, is like? 
wife injoined, that fo nothing be loft,jfafc 
6. 12. 

2. But though this be true, yet every one 
that dcfires, that above all things, his Soul 
may profper, ought not to make Religion a 
complement, as too many do; but his chief 
bufinefs. The Lord Jefus 6wed, and payed 

refpedi 



[J'4l- . . 

refped:, and fubje&ion to his parents, Luk. . 
a. 57. Yet he declared, that he muft attend 
his heavenly Father's bufinefs, ver. 49. Thus 
David, Pfo\. 1x9. 38, — thyfervant, who is 
devoted to thy fear. As a Scholar who de- 
votes himfelf to his ftudy, makes learning 
his bufinefs : So we ought to mind this one 
thing as moft neceflary, Luie 10. 4%. It's 
true, it may be with a Chriftian that feri- 
oufly minds the profperity of his Soul, as it 
is with Mariners at Sea, they are bound for 
jfuch a Coaft, but whilft they are failing, they 
may meet with a crofs Wind, which may 
drive them the quite contrary way : but as 
fbon as the florm is over,they recover them- 
felves, and get into the right way, wherein 
they Sailed before. So a Chriftian ( one 
that is fo indeed ) is bound for Heaven, and 
the holy word of God is the Compafs he 
fails by. Yet, a contrary wind of tempta- 
tion blowing, he may be driven back ; out 
he recovers himfelf again by the exercife of 
Faith, and Repentance, and fails on conftant- 
ly toward his heavenly Port. Thus he that 
minds, above all profperities, the profperity 
of his Soul, ought to make Religion his bu- 
finefs ; he is devoted unto it : To him to live 
is Chrifty Phil. 1.21. 

3. Both thefe being true : That every 
Man hath, or ought to have a Calling to fol- 
low! which he ought with prudepce, provi? 

dence, 



ence, and diligence to attend, for the fujv 
ojtt of his outward eftate, according to the 
ondition, wherein God hath fet him. Ever 
y Man hath, or ought to have a Calling to 
dIIow, which he ought to mapage with ail 
lis heart, all his might, and all his ftrength, 
s that which is tor the moft deferable 
>rofperity , the profperity of his Soul, there- 
ore he ought to manage the former, in fub- 
>rdination to this ; God never intended 
hem otherwise. Still he would have us 
:o abide with God id our Calling, i Cor. 7. 

14. That a Man fo drive his Trade for the 
World, as not to hinder his Trade for Hea- 
ven. His home-trade within doors, his 
Shop, his Ware-houfe, his Working-houfe, 
his Oxen, or his Farm, muft not rob his Clo- 
fet, nor indifpofe him, much lefs take him 
off from thofe private duties of Religion, 
whereby Communion between God, and 
his Soul, may be preferved, and increafed. 
Nor yet mull his forreign Trade hinder 
him from Walking as becomes the Gofpel, 
in all his converfe with others, but that he 
may, as the matter requires, fliew forth the 
graces of Chrift, 1 Pet. z. 9. 1 The/. 5. 14, 

1 5, Be patient to all wen, not rendering evil 
for evil to any man, but rver follow that which 
is good. So far as any Man doth thus ma- 
nage his worldly affairs, for his profperity 
in the World, he Jhall not prejudice, but 

thejreby 



thereby farther his Soul-profperity. 

And in order hereunto, confider thefe few 
things. 

1. Remember that of Salomon^ Pro. 18. 
zo. Make not hafte to be rich. Do not grafp 
more of the world into your hands, then ye 
may manage without diftra&ion. This can- 
not any more be for the profperity of the 
Soul, then to eat more meat, then the na- 
tural heat of the flomach can well digeft, 
can be for the health of the body. There- 
fore in fuch a cafe, it is a mans duty, inter- 
eft, and wifdom to do, as the Sea-men do, 
when the Ship is overladen, caftoutfome 
of the burden, left they hazard the lofs of 
their lives. Otherwife, that will be found 
a truth, when it may be too late to prevent 
it, what the Apoftle faith , 1 Tim. 6. 9. 
They that will be rich ( that are fet upon it) 
fdll into temptations j and fn ares, and into 
manyfoolijh, and hurtful lufts, which drown 
men in a Whirlpool of dejtruftion and perdi- 
tion. 

z. Remember that though ye ought to be 
diligent in your calling, yet it ought to be 
. with a holy indifferency of Spirit, not as 
Rachel, Gen. 30. 1. Give me Children, or I 
dye, but as David in that great ftrait where- 
in he was z Sam. ij. 26* Let the Lord d* 
with me, as it feemeth good in his fight 

Thus it ought to be, and thus it may be, if 

4 we 



[317] 

Are defire our care for profperity in this world 
may not hinder the profperity of our Souls* 
The ftrongeft , and higheft workings both 
of our heads and hearts, ftiould be alter our 
Soul concernments. Thus did David Pfal. 
63. 8. My Soul followeth hard after thee. % 
Sam. 6. 14. David danced before the Lord, 
with all his might. But when a mans eyes, 
and his heart ( as the expreflion is concer- 
ning Jehojakim Jer. xl 17.) are but for 
the world, /. e. he doth greedily affeft it, 
and mod eagerly purfue it, as if that Judg- 
ment were befallen him, which literally be- 
fel Korah^ and Dathav, the earth fwallaw- 
ed them* However fuch may hold up, and 
rub on, in a formal profeffion, and that it 
may be with fome feemingforwardnefs, yet 
their Souls can never profper. It is impof- 
fible they fhould. Therefore, labour not for 
that me$t vohicfi befifheth^ but for that which 
endureth to everlafting life, Joh. 6. 27. 

3. Remember this, That there is no ab- 
folute neceffity of it, upon one t account, or 
other, that a man fhould be as rich, as other 
rich men of the fame call ing. • That is necef- 
fary which cannot be fupplyed, :with fome- 
thing in (lead of it. As the light of the 
Sun isneceflary for the day. All the Can- 
dles in the world cannot fupply the want of 
that. No, it will be night, when the Sun 
is fet, for all the Stars. Now, the wealth, 

and 



13*° J . 

and great things of the world may be fup. 
plyed by fomething elfe ; for neither mans 
lite, nor the comforts of his lifeconfiftsin 
abundance, Luk. iz. 15. fo Pfal. 4. 6, 7. 
There be many that fay, who will fbew us an) 
good > JLord y lift thou up the light efthy conn, 
tenance upon us, thou haft put glaanefs in my 
heart, more then in the time, that their Com 
and their Wine increased. But all the world 
cannot jfupply the want of Soukprofperity, 
Matth, 16. i8. IVliat can it profit a man, if 
he /ball gain the whole world, andlcfehis 
own Soul. Therefore $hat is the only thing 
neceflary, Luke 10. .4*; ./ . 

4. Remember this, That we manage the 
bufinefs of our calling, with a holy fear, and 
jealoufy, left we (hould prejudice the well- 
fare of our Souls. Job was afraid, left his 
Children, whileft they were refreftiing their 
.bodies, (hould have wronged theif Souls, 
Job 1 • 5. there is as much reafon to be a- 
fraid, in this cafe, for the world is defiling, 
Jam. I..Z7*. to keep himfelfunfpotted from the 
.world.. It his hard to touch Pitch, and not 
to be defiled* This was in the thoughts of 
JefusCbrifty Job. 17. ijw / pray not that 
. thou Jkvuldeft take them out of the world \ but 
thjt thou Jhouldeft keep them from evil. 

5. Remember this, That the ruling, pre- 
dominant, chief, and principal end in labour- 
ing for the things of this world, ihould be 

in 



in reference to the world to come, Wheft 
QtrvtA prayed for life, *it was not principal* 
ly that he mqght live; but that he might live 
andpraifcQod, Pfal. 119* 17* 175. So ift 
labouring after all the things of this life, 
we fhould defire them ; not as flops, btit:«s 
fteps in our way to heaven, and lb accor- 
dingly ufe them, reckoning this, though 
not the only, yet as one of the chiefeft advan- 
tages we have by them,that we have a price 
put into our hands, whereby we may be the 
more ufeful;and our light ihine fo much the 
more before Men,that they may glorify our 
Father, which is in heaven, Matth. 5. 1 6. 

6. Remember this, That it is our duty, 

and we ought to prepare for it, by keeping 

the things of the world at a diftance from 

our hearts, to run the hazard of the lols of 

ill, when the keeping of them is inconfi- 

ftent wkhSihe fconfcience jjf thctt duty, and 

fubje&ion , we owe to Chrift ; when it 

comes to that, we fhould fufler joyfully the 

fpoiling of our goods, as they did, HeL 

:o. 34. though we fhould go as naked out 

3f the world , as ever we cqme into the 

world. He that will keep toMf he hati| in 

a way that God doth not approve of, may 

keep the thing, but he will lote the cbmfort 

■ofiK~fiven"as p they; 'Exutf. t6. *q. that 

would keep Manna beyond the time, that 
God ftllow^ diem , they had the Manna, 

but 



I. X 



but it did them mo good; it had worms in it, 
and did . (link. Thus we have fomething ' 
toward the anfweririg of that qiieftion ; and 
I do believe, that ye will find that fo far as 
thefe rules are obferved, the world will not 
prejudice your Souls. 



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I 
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FINIS. 




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